Royal Mail has issued a warning of potential delays affecting 88 postcodes across the UK, following operational disruptions at two key mail centres. The Chelmsford and Norwich mail centres have reported running behind schedule, processing only some of the mail expected for delivery.
A Royal Mail spokesperson explained, “We aim to deliver to all addresses six days a week. However, in a small number of local offices, temporary service interruptions may occur due to factors including high levels of staff sickness, resourcing challenges, and other local issues.”
The postal service apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates customers’ understanding during this period.
The affected postcodes span multiple regions, including Basingstoke (RG21-RG28), Bristol (BS5, BS15, BS30), Glasgow (G31, G40, G52, G53), Sunderland (SR1-SR6, SR9), and several others across England, Scotland, and Wales. A full list of impacted postcodes is available from Royal Mail.
This development follows reports that Royal Mail delivered Christmas letters and parcels late to approximately 16 million people, according to Citizens Advice research. Additionally, Ofcom has recently adjusted Royal Mail’s delivery targets under the revised Universal Service Obligation (USO), lowering the requirement to deliver 90% of first-class mail within one working day (down from 93%) and 95% of second-class mail within three days (down from 98.5%).
Royal Mail continues to work towards resolving these operational challenges and returning to its established service standards as quickly as possible.