Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Kate Devlin

Royal Mail hit by scathing criticism as MP issues new warning

  • Royal Mail is facing significant criticism over millions of letters arriving late, with a Labour MP warning the issue is "affecting our national life as a country".
  • A House of Commons committee heard evidence that delayed post is causing people to miss crucial medical appointments and court documents.
  • Between 29 September and 30 November, 77.5 per cent of first-class post arrived the next working day and 91.6 per cent of second-class mail within three days, both falling short of Ofcom's targets.
  • The Communication Workers Union attributes the delivery problems to a "recruitment crisis" among postal workers, noting that half of new entrants leave within their first year.
  • Royal Mail acknowledges its letter performance is "still not good enough" but denies a recruitment crisis, stating it attracts many applicants and has a long-serving workforce.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.