Royal Mail misses delivery targets again but hails 'encouraging' signs

Royal Mail has once again fallen short of its delivery targets for first and second class post, but the postal service claims it is making headway towards its goals as part of its turnaround plan. The company delivered 85% of first-class deliveries the next day between March and June, an increase from 76% in the same period last year, but still below the regulator Ofcom's 90% target.

Second-class mail was delivered within three days 91% of the time, an improvement from the previous year, but still below Ofcom's 95% target. Royal Mail's chief operating officer, Jamie Stephenson, described the results as encouraging, stating that the work being done to improve the service is having an impact. The company, owned by International Distribution Services (IDS), has faced challenges such as rising competition, fewer people sending letters, and fines from the regulator for missing targets in recent years.

Stephenson added that there is more work to be done, highlighting a £500m investment plan over the next five years to improve the firm and meet Ofcom's delivery targets by May 2027. The postal service has faced criticism from politicians and the public for its slow letter delivery and is currently under investigation by Ofcom for failure to meet targets.

Recently, postal workers have allegedly been asked to move or hide mail to make it appear as though targets are being met. The firm has apologized for delays in Gloucester, where post was delayed for months, and for weeks-long delays in Worcestershire, causing missed hospital appointments. Royal Mail has pledged to meet Ofcom's targets by May 2027 as part of its turnaround plan.