Royal Mail has once again missed its delivery targets for first and second class post, and this time, it’s not just a minor slip. Between March and June, the postal service managed to deliver only 85% of first class deliveries the next day, a slight increase from 76% during the same period in 2025. However, this remains far below the 95% target set by the regulator, Ofcom. So, what’s going on here? Well, Royal Mail claims it’s making progress towards its goals as it continues with its turnaround plan, but the reality on the ground tells a different story…
The company, owned by International Distribution Services (IDS), has been grappling with fierce competition in the delivery market, a decline in letter-sending habits, and hefty fines for failing to meet its targets. Jamie Stephenson, the Chief Operating Officer, stated that the first-class performance is ahead of expectations for this stage of their Improvement Plan. But let’s be honest, it still doesn’t cut it. Second-class mail delivery has seen some improvement, but just slightly. The goal is to hit those delivery targets by May 2027, which seems like a long road ahead…
Moreover, the public and politicians have been vocal about their frustrations over the slow postal service, and rightly so. Royal Mail is under investigation by Ofcom for the second consecutive year due to its inability to meet delivery targets. Just last October, they were slapped with a record £21 million fine for their dismal performance in 2024-25. And if that’s not enough, postal workers across the UK have come forward to reveal that they were instructed to hide mail from senior bosses, making it appear that targets were being met. Can you believe that?
In Gloucester, residents have faced delays of several months with their mail, and the company has admitted that their service there is “totally unacceptable.” This is a serious issue that impacts everyone, especially vulnerable residents who rely on timely deliveries. Royal Mail is pouring around £500 million into their turnaround plan over the next five years. But as Stephenson admitted, there’s still a lot of work left to be done…
The company was recently acquired in 2025 by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, and it seems like the challenges just keep piling up. With ongoing criticism and a tarnished reputation, the question remains: will Royal Mail ever get back on track? We’re all eager to see how this unfolds…
Kaynak: Orijinal Haber