UPDATE: Royal Mail has just announced significant postal delays affecting multiple regions across Scotland as the Christmas season approaches. The delivery giant cites high levels of sickness absence and “resourcing issues” as key factors disrupting operations.
Locations including Glasgow, Dundee, and Paisley are among those impacted, alongside towns and villages in Aberdeenshire, Fife, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, and South Lanarkshire. With the festive season approaching, customers are feeling the effects of these delays more acutely.
Royal Mail has issued an apology to affected customers, stating they are rotating deliveries to mitigate disruptions. A spokesperson emphasized, “We know how important letters and parcels are, especially in the run-up to Christmas.” The company is ramping up efforts, hiring approximately 20,000 extra workers to assist with the surge in mail volume, which increases more than double during this period.
Despite these efforts, recent data reveals concerning trends. Between June 20 and September 28, only 73.4% of first-class mail was delivered on time. Additionally, 90.4% of second-class mail reached its destinations within three working days. These statistics indicate a troubling decline in service quality, prompting regulatory scrutiny.
The Ofcom regulator has previously fined Royal Mail £21 million for missing delivery targets in the 2024-25 financial year. An Ofcom spokesperson stated, “In recent years, we’ve fined Royal Mail £37 million for its poor letter delivery performance, and we’ll continue to hold the company to account.”
The spokesperson added that new obligations have been set for Royal Mail to ensure better compliance and service improvements moving forward. “Royal Mail must now play its part by implementing this effectively and improving its reliability,” they stressed.
As the busy holiday season intensifies, customers are urged to remain patient. Royal Mail assures the public that the vast majority of items continue to be delivered on time, with a strong emphasis on resolving issues swiftly where they arise. The company previously reported that last year, 99% of items posted by the last recommended dates were delivered in time for Christmas.
As the situation develops, customers are encouraged to stay informed and check for updates regarding their mail deliveries. With the festive season just around the corner, the urgency to improve service is palpable across the nation.
