Royal Mail Under Investigation for Missed Delivery Targets
Royal Mail is facing scrutiny from Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, for failing to meet its delivery targets. Last year, less than three-quarters of first-class mail was delivered on time, falling short of the 93% target set by Ofcom.
This shortfall could lead to financial penalties for Royal Mail, following a similar £5.6 million fine imposed last year for delivery failures in 2022-23. Ofcom has requested a satisfactory explanation from Royal Mail and will consider further action if necessary.
Despite the delivery issues, Royal Mail's parent company, International Distribution Services (IDS), reported narrowed losses for the year ending 31 March. IDS CEO Martin Seidenberg attributed this improvement to enhanced quality, customer recovery after industrial action, cost control, and successful Christmas deliveries.
Meanwhile, IDS is facing a potential buy-out offer from Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, who proposed a £3.5 billion bid on 15 May. Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has emphasized the need to protect Royal Mail's universal service obligation in any sale.
Kretinsky has offered "contractual undertakings" to safeguard key public interest factors, including maintaining six-day-a-week first-class letter deliveries, protecting workers' rights, preserving the Royal Mail brand, and keeping the company's UK headquarters and tax residence.