Postman's Knock - Episode 2

To celebrate the 360th anniversary of the establishment of the General Post Office this intergenerational oral history project explores the history of postal workers in London going back to the 1940s. 

As a major employer in the capital, it records how work has been impacted by significant post-war changes in technology, public perception, finance and ownership. It looks at the changing nature of work at one of London's major employers; the generations of family members who have worked for the Post Office; the nuts and bolts of work whether out on delivery on foot, bike and van, in sorting offices, on the mail rail. 

It shows the increasing inclusion of women and immigrants in the workforce over the post war period and the technological changes that have characterised the history over this period from the growth of telecommunications, mechanisation, advent of postcodes in 1974. It also explores the impact of political changes from Nationalisation in 1969 to the gradual changes introducing the market and competition from 2004 leading to privatisation.