You’re awe-thumb

Royal Mail is today asking customers to show their appreciation for colleagues by giving them a ‘thumbs up’ - from a safe two-metre distance - as they go about their rounds during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

The initiative is a simple way for customers to say thanks and stay connected with their local postmen and women, while respecting the Government’s new social distancing rules. 

The recommended safe distance measures a little more than the height of a Royal Mail postbox. Giving a thumbs up is also a handy reminder for customers not to reach out to try and take parcels direct from colleagues to ensure contact-free delivery. 

Our people are at the heart of the communities in which they work. With the country observing Government advice to stay home, for many people, their local postman or woman may be one of the few friendly faces they see each day. The delivery of letters and parcels is an important way to keep connected for those who are unable to leave their home. 

The move comes as colleagues across the UK have been inundated with thank you messages and pictures from children and customers. 

How to get involved

As well as giving their posties a friendly thumbs up when they see them, we are asking customers to share selfies with their thumbs up using the hashtag #ThumbsUpForYourPostie.

We are also encouraging children to put ‘thumbs up’ pictures in their front window. Templates are available to download from royalmail.com. If children wish to get involved, we are encouraging them to be bold, creative and colourful with their creations to put a smile on the faces of posties and passers-by alike. Thumb print painting is highly encouraged!

National service delivery director, Ricky McAulay, said: ‘We know how much people like to say hi or have a chat with their postie on the doorstep. During this time, we need to find new ways of staying connected whilst also protecting our communities. 

‘We hope that giving a thumbs up is a handy way of reminding people to keep a safe distance when we’re out and about delivering the post.

‘I would also like to thank our people for doing such a great job at this challenging time.’