Royal Mail misses delivery targets but reports year-on-year improvement

Royal Mail has failed to meet regulatory delivery targets for both first and second class post, although the company stated that performance has improved significantly compared with the same period last year. The postal service reported that 85% of first class items were delivered the next day between March and June, a substantial rise from 76% in the equivalent three months of 2025. However, this figure remains below the 90% benchmark set by the regulator, Ofcom. Second class mail was delivered within three days in 91% of cases, which also represents an improvement over the previous year but falls short of the required 95% standard.

The company described the results as encouraging, asserting that its ongoing turnaround plan is beginning to yield positive outcomes. Chief operating officer Jamie Stephenson noted that first class performance is well ahead of expectations at this stage of the improvement plan, while second class service is tracking in line with projections. He acknowledged that further work is required, highlighting a commitment to a £500 million investment programme over the next five years. This strategic plan includes a specific pledge to meet Ofcom’s delivery targets by May 2027. Stephenson also credited frontline colleagues for their continued hard work, including during recent periods of extreme heat.

Royal Mail, which is owned by International Distribution Services, has faced sustained criticism from politicians and the public regarding the slowness of its letter delivery services. The firm is currently under investigation by Ofcom for the second consecutive year due to its failure to meet delivery standards. In October last year, the regulator imposed a record fine of £21 million for missing targets during the 2024-25 period. The company has also dealt with serious operational controversies, including an apology to residents in Gloucester where post was delayed for months, which it admitted was totally unacceptable. More recently, complaints emerged from Worcestershire regarding weeks-long delays that caused some individuals to miss hospital appointments. In March, postal workers across the UK reported to the BBC that they had been asked to move or hide mail from senior management to artificially improve the appearance of delivery metrics. International Distribution Services was acquired in 2025 by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.