Royal Mail announced delivery performance results that missed regulatory targets but showed year-over-year improvements, according to data covering the March to June period. First-class mail reached 85% next-day delivery rates, an increase from 76% in the equivalent timeframe of the previous year, though this remains below the 90% target established by regulator Ofcom. Second-class mail was delivered within three days 91% of the time, representing a modest improvement from prior-year figures but falling short of the 95% regulatory benchmark.
The postal service, owned by International Distribution Services, characterized the results as encouraging signs that its ongoing improvement initiatives are producing measurable gains. Chief operating officer Jamie Stephenson stated that first-class performance is exceeding expectations at this stage of the turnaround plan, while second-class delivery is tracking according to projections. The company acknowledged that additional progress remains necessary and pointed to a £500m investment plan spanning five years to address service shortcomings.
Royal Mail has faced sustained pressure from multiple directions in recent years, including declining letter volumes due to changing communication preferences and intensifying competition within the delivery sector. The company remains under investigation by Ofcom for the second consecutive year regarding target failures. The regulator previously imposed a record £21m fine in October for missed targets in 2024-25. The service has also contended with public criticism and complaints from residents in various regions, including Gloucester and Worcestershire, where postal delays caused significant disruptions.
According to the company’s timeline, it intends to achieve full compliance with Ofcom’s delivery targets by May 2027 as part of its comprehensive service improvement plan. International Distribution Services was acquired in 2025 by Czech investor Daniel Kretinsky. Royal Mail stated that achieving these improvements has required substantial effort from frontline staff, including operations during periods of extreme weather conditions.
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