Royal Mail has issued a caution regarding potential service disruptions in over 100 UK postcodes this week. The postal service identified 38 delivery offices that may experience delays due to storms and increased employee absenteeism. These offices collectively cover approximately 100 postcodes nationwide.

According to a company spokesperson, adverse weather conditions and higher-than-normal sick leave have led to temporary disruptions in certain delivery routes. Royal Mail assured customers that most mail is still being delivered on schedule, acknowledging the frustration when mail is delayed.

In response to any delays, Royal Mail stated that they will deploy additional support to expedite the restoration of deliveries. This announcement follows a report by the BBC, which revealed that some letters were being held in delivery offices for extended periods, with packages taking precedence over letters in certain depots.

Royal Mail highlighted the surge in parcel deliveries due to the growth of online shopping, while the volume of addressed letters within their network is declining. The company serves nearly two million postcodes and is committed to delivering mail six days a week, aiming to ensure timely delivery of both letters and parcels.

Last year, regulator Ofcom approved Royal Mail’s proposal to eliminate second-class letter deliveries on Saturdays and switch to alternate weekday services. Although this change was piloted in 35 delivery offices, its nationwide implementation across all 1,200 sites has been postponed due to unresolved negotiations with the Communication Workers Union.