Sackings over mail theft revealed

Royal Mail employs approximately 3,500 people in Northern Ireland

Sixty Royal Mail employees in Northern Ireland were sacked in connection with thefts from post between 2005 and 2007, it has emerged.

Twenty-three employees were prosecuted in relation to such incidents over the three-year period.

A further 37 were questioned under caution and then also fired.

"Royal Mail and its people have a zero tolerance policy against any instances of theft," said Royal Mail spokeswoman.

"Our security teams work closely with our staff to ensure such instances are detected and dealt with as swiftly as possible. We welcome convictions for those responsible.

"It goes without saying that the overwhelming majority of our employees are scrupulously honest and that incidents of this nature only cause annoyance and concern among decent, hardworking postmen and women."

One member of staff also resigned in 2005 after being interviewed, again under caution, in relation to accusations of theft.

Location

Royal Mail, which employs approximately 3,500 people in Northern Ireland, said under data protection legislation the company could not reveal where the thefts had taken place.

The information came to light through a Freedom of Information request submitted by a journalist working for the Daily Mirror in Northern Ireland.