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Fri, 21 Aug 2026

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 Royal Mail misses delivery targets again but hails 'encouraging' signs

The struggling firm said it had improved its performance but missed regulator-set delivery targets.

* Royal Mail missed its delivery targets for first and second class post again.
* First class mail was delivered next day between March and June at a rate of 85%, up from 76% in the same period last year, but below Ofcom's target of 90%.
* Second class mail was delivered within three days 91% of the time, an improvement from the previous year, but short of Ofcom's 95% target.
* Royal Mail said it is making progress towards its goals and attributed the improvements to its turnaround plan.
* The company has been fined £21m by Ofcom for missing targets in 2024-25 and is currently under investigation for a second year running.
* Royal Mail aims to meet regulator Ofcom's targets by May 2027 as part of a £500m investment plan over the next five years.
* Chief operating officer Jamie Stephenson said there is "more to do" but described the results as "encouraging".
* The postal service has faced criticism from politicians and the public over its slow delivery times, including recent complaints from residents in Gloucester and Worcestershire.