Royal Mail plays a vital role in connecting communities across the UK. With a reputation built on trust and reliability, it’s no surprise that many individuals seek employment with the organisation often through informal channels like referrals.
Among the most searched terms today is “Royal Mail friends and family jobs”, highlighting a growing interest in referral-based recruitment and temporary roles at Royal Mail.
Whether you’re looking for a seasonal job, a temporary opportunity, or a pathway into permanent work, Royal Mail offers flexible positions suited to many different circumstances.
This guide explores everything you need to know about applying through friends and family, current job openings, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
What Are Royal Mail Friends and Family Jobs and How Do They Work?
Royal Mail friends and family jobs refer to job opportunities that individuals hear about or access through a connection with a current Royal Mail employee.
While Royal Mail does not officially label positions as “friends and family jobs”, it’s common practice for employees to refer people they know to open roles, especially during peak seasons such as Christmas.
These referrals are typically shared internally and can provide job seekers with early awareness of upcoming vacancies. However, being referred by a friend or family member does not guarantee employment.
All applicants must go through the standard application, assessment, and vetting process set by Royal Mail or its recruitment partners.
Temporary and seasonal workers are often recruited for frontline roles including sorting, delivery, and warehouse support.
These roles are essential for ensuring mail is processed and delivered on time, particularly during the busiest months of the year.
How Can You Find the Latest Royal Mail Job Openings?
Royal Mail jobs are regularly updated across a number of official and third-party platforms. Knowing where and how to look for these listings will significantly improve your chances of landing a role, whether you’re applying independently or through a referral.
Royal Mail Careers Website: The Primary Source
The Royal Mail Careers portal is the most reliable source for all internal job opportunities. From seasonal sorters to permanent delivery roles, all listings are regularly posted with job descriptions, eligibility requirements, shift types, and application deadlines.
Visitors can filter results by:
- Job type (temporary, permanent, part-time, full-time)
- Location
- Department (delivery, operations, head office, etc.)
Applications can be submitted directly through the platform, which also tracks the progress of your submission.
Angard Staffing: Temporary and Flexible Work
Angard Staffing is Royal Mail’s key partner for recruiting temporary workers, particularly during peak seasons such as Christmas. Angard focuses on roles that offer flexible shifts in parcel sorting and warehouse support.
Features of Angard Staffing:
- Jobs are typically shift-based and location-specific
- No long-term commitment is required
- Suited to students, part-time workers, or those looking for supplementary income
Applications are submitted through the Angard website. Once registered, candidates may receive notifications about shift availability or urgent vacancies.
Pertemps: Driving and Logistics Opportunities
For those with driving qualifications or interest in logistics, Pertemps offers temporary and seasonal positions that support Royal Mail’s transport network. Pertemps has been a trusted partner for over 13 years and specialises in roles such as:
- LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) drivers
- Van drivers
- Dock coordinators
These positions are critical for maintaining the flow of mail and parcels between distribution centres. Applicants typically need valid driving licences and some experience in logistics or transport.
Job Boards: Additional Exposure to Royal Mail Listings
Job aggregators like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Reed also list Royal Mail roles, both directly from Royal Mail and via their recruitment partners. These platforms are useful for:
- Exploring average salaries and company reviews
- Applying for roles by region
- Setting up job alerts based on keywords
While these sites are informative, it’s best to confirm job details and apply through the original source to ensure legitimacy and timely processing.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for Royal Mail Friends and Family Jobs?
Although being referred by someone inside the organisation can increase awareness of available roles, all applicants must meet certain standard criteria.
Royal Mail follows a structured and transparent recruitment process to ensure fairness and compliance with employment law.
General Eligibility Criteria for All Applicants
Whether you’re applying independently or through a friend or family referral, the following conditions generally apply to Royal Mail frontline jobs:
- Must be at least 18 years old for most operational and delivery roles
- Have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom
- Be able to work various shifts, including weekends and bank holidays
- Physically able to perform tasks such as lifting, walking long distances, and standing for extended periods
- Must pass Royal Mail’s identity and background checks
These requirements help maintain the safety and efficiency of operations across sorting centres, delivery routes, and logistics depots.
Role-Specific Requirements
Some jobs, especially those involving vehicles or technical responsibilities, may require specific qualifications:
- Delivery drivers need a valid UK manual driving licence with no more than six penalty points
- LGV drivers must have relevant HGV or LGV licenses and follow Driver CPC guidelines
- Sorters and warehouse staff should be able to handle repetitive, fast-paced tasks in physically demanding environments
For administrative or office-based roles, such as HR or finance, educational background and prior experience may be considered.
Eligibility for Referred Candidates
Applicants who are referred through the royal mail friends and family jobs route must still complete all formalities.
Referral does not bypass the recruitment process; it simply gives early access or insider knowledge of upcoming vacancies.
Referred candidates will still:
- Submit an application through the appropriate platform
- Provide valid documents to confirm their identity and legal right to work
- Complete any relevant assessments or induction training
- Be subject to background checks
Royal Mail ensures all applicants are treated fairly, regardless of how they discovered the role. This helps maintain diversity, inclusion, and transparency across the recruitment process.
When Are Seasonal and Christmas Jobs at Royal Mail Available?
Seasonal recruitment at Royal Mail starts in early autumn, usually around late September. These jobs are designed to manage the sharp increase in parcels and letters during the Christmas period.
The majority of temporary seasonal roles are for Mail Sorters, which are vital to Royal Mail’s operations during peak times.
Royal Mail hires thousands of temporary staff each year during the festive period, across sorting centres in both urban and rural locations.
These roles are particularly popular among students, part-time job seekers, and individuals seeking additional income.
Shifts are often structured in blocks:
- Morning shifts (6am–2pm)
- Afternoon shifts (2pm–10pm)
- Night shifts (10pm–6am)
The flexibility of these shifts allows individuals to fit the job around other commitments. Applications usually close quickly, so early action is advised.
Where Can You Apply for Royal Mail Temporary Roles?
Job seekers can apply for temporary roles via official and third-party platforms. Each of these has a slightly different process:
| Application Platform | Role Types | Key Features |
| Royal Mail Careers | Mail sorters, postpersons, admin | Offers both temporary and permanent jobs |
| Angard Staffing | Sorting centre operatives | Specialises in flexible, shift-based roles |
| Pertemps | LGV and van drivers, logistics | Focuses on transport and dock coordination |
All platforms allow candidates to search by location, filter job types, and apply directly. Each application requires uploading a CV, completing eligibility details, and agreeing to background checks.
Applicants referred by a friend or family member are still encouraged to apply via the correct platform to ensure proper processing and compliance with recruitment standards.
What Kind of Frontline and Delivery Jobs Are Offered?
Royal Mail’s frontline workforce is the backbone of its delivery service. Temporary and seasonal workers are recruited for a variety of hands-on roles that directly contribute to mail processing and distribution.
Key roles include:
- Postperson: Responsible for delivering letters and parcels to homes and businesses. This role often requires a full UK driving licence if a vehicle route is assigned.
- Parcel Sorter: Based in sorting centres, sorters work to organise mail by postcode and destination. It’s a physically demanding role involving standing for long hours and handling high volumes of items.
- LGV Driver: For transporting large quantities of mail between depots. These roles require specific driving qualifications and are generally offered through Pertemps.
- Van Driver: Focused on local delivery routes, ensuring timely and safe drop-offs.
- Dock Coordinator: Oversees vehicle movement and safety within Royal Mail distribution centres.
Below is a comparison of core responsibilities and qualifications required:
| Role | Main Duties | Requirements |
| Postperson | Deliver mail on foot or by van | Driving licence, customer service |
| Parcel Sorter | Organise and move mail in centres | Physical stamina, accuracy |
| LGV Driver | Long-distance delivery between sites | LGV licence, road safety knowledge |
| Van Driver | Local parcel delivery | UK driving licence, time management |
| Dock Coordinator | Manage logistics on-site | Organisational skills, safety focus |
Each role may be available seasonally or throughout the year depending on location and workload.
Why Choose Royal Mail for Temporary or Referral-Based Employment?
Royal Mail is known for its fair employment practices, structured recruitment process, and employee-first culture. It is often a top choice for individuals seeking reliable temporary work due to several advantages:
- Flexible work patterns: Shifts can be chosen based on personal availability and lifestyle.
- Competitive hourly pay: Seasonal roles often come with enhanced rates, especially during night shifts.
- Entry-level accessibility: Most roles require minimal experience, making them suitable for a wide range of candidates.
- Potential for career progression: Many temporary staff return for multiple seasons or transition to permanent positions.
- Positive work environment: Royal Mail promotes diversity, inclusion, and professional development for all employees.
Working at Royal Mail through a referral also allows applicants to get firsthand insights into the role and environment from someone already employed there.
How Does the Referral Process Work at Royal Mail?
Although there isn’t a formal “friends and family programme”, referrals happen frequently across Royal Mail locations. Here’s a typical scenario:
A Royal Mail employee learns of upcoming vacancies, especially during high-demand seasons.
They share the information with a friend or family member, encouraging them to apply through the correct platform. The applicant then goes through the full recruitment process like any other candidate.
A referral may help in getting early information about a vacancy or understanding job expectations more clearly.
However, it does not guarantee special treatment or priority in the hiring process. All applicants must:
- Meet eligibility criteria
- Pass identity and security checks
- Complete assessments or inductions if required
Royal Mail aims to ensure a fair and inclusive process for every applicant, regardless of how they found the job listing.
What Should You Expect From the Royal Mail Recruitment Process?
Applying for a Royal Mail job involves a few structured stages. These are designed to verify eligibility, assess suitability for the role, and ensure compliance with postal security regulations.
The standard process includes:
- Online Application: Submit details including contact information, job preferences, location, and availability.
- Eligibility Checks: Provide documentation to prove age, address, and right to work in the UK.
- Assessments: Some roles include online aptitude tests covering literacy, numeracy, or problem-solving.
- Background and Criminal Checks: All candidates are vetted for any unspent convictions.
- Induction or Training: Successful candidates may attend a short induction covering workplace safety, role expectations, and company policies.
For temporary and seasonal roles, the timeline from application to starting work is typically two to four weeks, depending on demand and location.
What Are the Key Differences Between Angard, Pertemps, and Direct Hiring?
While all three recruitment paths offer access to Royal Mail roles, there are some key differences in how they operate:
- Royal Mail Direct Hiring is used for permanent jobs and many temporary operational roles. Applicants apply through the official careers website and are managed internally.
- Angard Staffing is dedicated to recruiting temporary and seasonal staff. It offers flexibility and access to short-term positions with varied shifts.
- Pertemps specialises in driving and logistics roles. The application process is run independently, but the roles support Royal Mail operations directly.
Each option has its own advantages based on the job type, duration, and applicant background.
Final Thoughts
Royal Mail friends and family jobs offer a practical route into short-term or seasonal work, especially for those seeking flexibility, fair pay, and community engagement.
Whether you’re applying directly or being referred by someone you know, the process is straightforward and opens the door to potential longer-term employment.
From parcel sorting to delivery, there’s a wide range of opportunities available now. It’s worth checking the Royal Mail Careers site, Angard Staffing, and Pertemps regularly to stay informed and act quickly when roles become available.
FAQs About Royal Mail Friends and Family Jobs
Can I apply for a Royal Mail job without being referred?
Yes, referrals are not mandatory. All positions are publicly available on their official career websites and through recruitment partners.
When is the best time to apply for a Christmas job at Royal Mail?
Late September to early October is ideal, as most seasonal roles open during this time.
What’s the minimum age to work at Royal Mail?
Most roles require applicants to be at least 18 years old.
Are Royal Mail friends and family jobs available all year round?
While most are seasonal, friends and family referrals can also apply for roles throughout the year depending on location and demand.
Do friends and family referrals get special treatment?
No, all applicants must go through the same recruitment process. A referral might increase awareness but doesn’t bypass vetting.
Can students apply for Royal Mail temporary jobs?
Yes, students often work during the Christmas season or summer months in sorting or delivery roles.
What kind of shifts are available for temporary workers?
Shifts can vary widely daytime, evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts are all available depending on the location.
