Royal Mail's 'Chaos': MPs Demand Answers on Delivery Failures

A parliamentary committee has expressed significant concern over consistent and growing failures within Royal Mail's letter delivery service. This follows numerous direct representations and hundreds of public complaints detailing late and missed deliveries.

Staff at various delivery offices report that postal rounds are being missed daily. Parcels are being prioritized over letters, as the service is reportedly stretched beyond its capacity. This situation has led to significant public frustration, with missed hospital appointments and delayed important documents like school certificates and bank statements.

Earlier this month, the committee formally requested a response from the company within two weeks regarding these allegations. They described the situation as 'chaos' and sought commitments for improvement. The committee is particularly concerned as Royal Mail was bought by EP Group last April, with promises to focus on employees and customers.

One year into the takeover, which was approved with an undertaking to maintain the Universal Service Obligation, first-class deliveries are reportedly far behind schedule. Royal Mail stated that the vast majority of mail is delivered as planned, attributing some disruption to poor weather and staff sickness, which they are working to resolve.