Royal Mail warns of delivery delays across 141 UK postcodes

On 22 July 2026 Royal Mail issued a nationwide service update indicating that delivery delays will affect 141 postcode areas throughout the United Kingdom. The notice lists affected locations in Merseyside, the West Midlands and Wales, among other regions. The company attributes the disruptions to local problems such as high levels of staff sickness and resourcing issues, and says it will rotate deliveries and provide targeted support to restore normal service.

Royal Mail confirmed that its air and road networks continued to operate on schedule and that mail centres processed and dispatched mail as usual. The postal operator referenced a £21 million Ofcom fine imposed last year after achieving only 77 % on‑time delivery for First Class and 92.5 % for Second Class mail in 2024‑2025. COO Jamie Stephenson said the firm is investing heavily to improve reliability and is advancing universal service reform, aiming to roll out a new delivery model to all offices by the Christmas peak period.