Overview
- Royal Mail’s latest service update Thursday lists delays at 21 delivery offices, and local papers published postcode lists for areas including Birmingham, Luton and Whitechapel.
- At a Commons hearing Tuesday, owner Daniel Kretinsky apologised for late letters, denied any policy to prioritise parcels, and pressed for changes to the universal service that sets nationwide delivery rules.
- Whistleblowers told the BBC that managers sometimes hide undelivered mail during inspections, and the postal workers’ union told MPs a priority ‘pyramid’ can leave NHS letters behind tracked items.
- Royal Mail disputes both claims, says about 92% of letters arrive on time, and points to a new NHS barcode designed to speed delivery of hospital and GP mail.
- Ofcom fined Royal Mail £21 million in October 2025 for missing targets, and MPs warn late post is causing missed medical appointments and court documents, with further regulatory action still possible.