Due to underworked postal services around Europe a few countries are now offering postie domestic services ranging from mowing lawns to looking out for elderly customers. Some opposition has been encountered from professionals eager to protect their trades.
In Finland Posti, the state mail service is offering on their lightest letter day – Tuesdays, grass-cutting sessions in the summer months and delivering meal services. Whilst in France, La Poste is about to offer a service called “Watch over my parents” where postal workers will call on elderly people to check they are ok. By signing up to La Poste customers will be reassured that a Postman is dropping in at agreed times during the week, to check on elderly relatives.
Will the UK follow suit, is this an additional service which could supplement the Royal Mail services? This is happening and has always happened in some communities, especially remote areas with Postmen checking in on and doing the odd job for our elderly and vulnerable population.
