Royal Mail has apologised after confirming that deliveries will be disrupted today, 19 March, across 38 postcode areas. Customers in affected regions have been warned to expect delays to letters and parcels as the postal operator works to resolve the issues.
The company attributed the disruptions to 'high levels of sick absence, resourcing, or other local factors'. Affected locations include Aberlour, Colwyn Bay, Newcastle Under Lyme, Swindon, Grimsby, and Whitechapel, among others.
This comes as Royal Mail faces ongoing criticism over delivery standards. In 2024-25, only 77% of first-class and 92.5% of second-class post arrived on time, falling short of the mandated 93% and 98.5% targets. The company was also fined £21 million last October for failing to meet these targets.
Further disruptions are expected as Royal Mail prepares to increase stamp prices from 6 April. First Class stamps will rise to £1.80 and Second Class to 91p. According to Citizens Advice, the cost of a First Class stamp has increased eight times since 2020, when it was 76p, representing a 137% rise.
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: 'We aim to deliver to all addresses we have mail for, six days a week. In a small number of local offices, this may temporarily not be possible due to local issues... We're sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.'
