Unprecedented numbers of parcels are being delivered in the run-up to Christmas.

But a backlog at UK sorting offices means there have been delays.

Isle of Man Post Office says its staff are working hard to deliver customers’ parcels in time for Christmas, amid the challenges of exceptional high volumes of parcels, and the significantly increased uptake of online shopping this year.

It said this is a challenge for all British logistics companies.

Throughout the year since Covid-19 lockdowns both here and across, parcels and packet volumes have been much higher because more customers are using online shopping for convenience and in some cases, through necessity.

In contrast, with many UK companies being closed or staff working from home, the amount of letters and large letters has fallen significantly.

This trend has continued into Christmas with unprecedented levels of packets and parcels being received and delivered by IoM Post Office during November and into December.

A proportion of this can be attributed to Manx customers not being able to travel off-Island and therefore shopping local and buying online.

Geoff Rickard, general manager for mails, said: ’Last year, we dealt with just under four million items in total,

’We expect to handle less mail in total this year, with parcels and packets growth contrasting with continuing letters decline.

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’We have temporarily increased the size of our vehicle fleet to cater for more and larger parcels and packets, as well as recruiting extra staff for the festive period.

’In November, we delivered 25% less letters but were 76% up on premium parcels and packets.’

He continued: ’Over the last week we have experienced some problems receiving mail from the UK with Royal Mail acknowledging delays due to "exceptionally high volumes of post and anti-Covid measures" and therefore some customers are experiencing longer delivery timescales than normal.’

He added: ’We are speaking to our delivery partners daily and know there is mail in the UK destined for island residents.

’We extend our apologies to any customers who are waiting for items, we are working with Royal Mail to bring mail to the Island as quickly as possible, and once here on the island we will deliver it.

’All mail we are receiving is being delivered. We continue to urge customers to order online and post items to the UK and overseas as early as possible.’