Business & Finance
Royal Mail misses delivery targets despite year-on-year improvements
The postal service delivered 85% of first-class mail on time from March to June as it pursues a five-year turnaround plan.
The short version
- Royal Mail missed regulatory targets for both first- and second-class deliveries between March and June.
- Performance improved compared to the same period in 2025, with on-time first-class deliveries rising from 76% to 85%.
- The postal operator remains under investigation by regulator Ofcom after facing a record £21 million fine in October 2025.
- Royal Mail aims to meet all regulatory standards by May 2027 through an ongoing £500 million investment initiative.
Key facts
- Royal Mail delivered 85% of first-class mail the next day between March and June, missing Ofcom's 90% target despite an increase from 76% in the same period in 2025.[BBC News]
- Second-class mail reached its destination within three days 91% of the time, falling short of the 95% regulatory requirement.[BBC News]
- The company is under investigation by Ofcom for missed delivery targets for the second consecutive year, following a £21 million fine issued in October 2025.[BBC News]
- Royal Mail committed to meeting Ofcom delivery standards by May 2027 as part of a £500 million five-year investment plan.[BBC News]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Ofcom will issue additional penalties or sanctions following its ongoing investigation remains undetermined.[BBC News]
Sources
- Royal Mail misses delivery targets again but hails 'encouraging' signsBBC News - Business