Households in Lerwick receiving more parcels than anywhere in UK during lockdown

People living in Lerwick in Shetland have received more deliveries per household during lockdown than anywhere else in the UK, the Royal Mail has revealed.

Lerwick residents have ordered more parcels during the lockdown than anywhere else in the UK.

London comes second, while Orkney and the Hebrides also make the top ten. The Royal Mail said a survey found that nearly half of UK adults have been receiving more parcel deliveries since lockdown measures began.

Recent Royal Mail research revealed nearly half of UK adults have been receiving more parcel deliveries since lockdown measures began. The research revealed the emotional significance that the parcel has developed during lockdown, with more than a third claiming receiving a parcel is the highlight of their day. Over half feel that receiving parcels has become more important since 23 March.

David Gold, director of public affairs and policy at Royal Mail, said: “Having analysed our parcel delivery data across our national network of delivery offices, Lerwick in Scotland has emerged as the UK’s lockdown delivery hotspot. The data shows that during such unprecedented times, parcel delivery is just as important for our rural customers as it is for our city customers.

“We understand the importance of the postal service in keeping the UK connected at this time. In doing so, we also take the health and safety of our colleagues, our customers and the local communities in which we operate very seriously.”

Royal Mail said it has changed its standard ways of working to ensure that, wherever possible, colleagues stay two metres apart. It has also implemented a new rule so that only one person is in a Royal Mail delivery vehicle at any one time.