egulator Ofcom mentioned it has launched an investigation into Royal Mail’s failure to fulfill its supply targets up to now 12 months – and will hand out a advantageous.

The British supply agency fell in need of its efficiency targets throughout the 2022 to 2023 monetary 12 months for first and second class mail and deliveries.

Some 73.7% of top notch mail was delivered inside one working day throughout the 12 months. The goal was 93%.

For second class mail, 90.7% was delivered inside three working days, in contrast with the goal of 98.5%.

And 89.35% of supply routes had been accomplished on the required day, properly behind the 99.9% goal.

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We’re sorry to any clients who could have been impacted by our efficiency throughout a 12 months that has been some of the difficult in our historical past

Ofcom mentioned it takes high quality of service very critically and will advantageous Royal Mail if it can not moderately clarify why it missed the targets.

It added: “In deciding whether the company is in breach of its obligations, we will consider if there were any exceptional events – beyond the company’s control – that may have explained why it missed its targets.”

The pandemic can not be used as an excuse for poor supply efficiency, Ofcom mentioned.

The probe follows final week’s news that boss Simon Thompson will step down by the tip of the 12 months.

His departure was introduced weeks after a prolonged dispute with the primary postal union got here to an finish.

Grant McPherson, chief working officer of Royal Mail, mentioned: “Improving quality of service is our top priority.

“We are committed to accelerating Royal Mail’s transformation and restoring service levels to where our customers expect them to be.

“We’re sorry to any customers who may have been impacted by our performance during a year that has been one of the most challenging in our history.

“With the plans we have in place to drive service levels and reduce absence, we hope and expect to see further progress in the coming months.”

Royal Mail additionally burdened that its service improved over the primary three months of the 12 months, the place 94.5% of second class mail was delivered inside three working days and 78.9% of top notch mail delivered inside one.

Furthermore, 18 days of strike motion organised by the Communication Workers Union (CWU) “materially impacted” the standard of service, it argued.

It additionally blamed a excessive stage of employees absences affecting operational efficiency.

Last month, Royal Mail agreed a cope with the CWU which might see employees get a ten% wage improve and a £500 one-off fee.

The agency mentioned it hopes the settlement will cut back absences, unfold out workloads, and quickly enhance high quality of service.

The proposed deal can be put to a poll of union members within the coming weeks.