The postal service is achieving approximately 25 percentage points below its intended goal for priority mail deliveries in Oxfordshire, according to a local MP.
A benchmark of 93 per cent requires the company to deliver first class items within a single working day.
However, in Oxfordshire the service is managing just 67.2 per cent, according to Liberal Democrat MP Charlie Maynard, who represents Witney.
This falls short of Royal Mail’s own assertion that it delivered 76.3 per cent of first class items within one day across the nation for the period ending March 2025.
Mr Maynard reported that constituents in his Witney area are even failing to attend medical appointments because letters arrive late.
The postal operator is facing criticism over its service standards
He noted that MPs are receiving numerous complaints about this matter as it is creating significant problems for residents.
One issue that has emerged clearly during discussions is the anxiety, loss of confidence and inequity that postal workers themselves experience.
This circumstances generates considerable dissatisfaction, yet there appears to be no resolution approaching, which represents a genuine concern.
The Liberal Democrat member highlighted the exceptionally elevated staff turnover at Royal Mail and what he described as demanding employment conditions.
Yet the public depends on local postal workers, and almost universally they approach their duties with the utmost dedication, he observed.
I want to specifically acknowledge my postal worker, Tony, who on Christmas Eve laboured well beyond his rostered hours. He should not have been required to do that and ought to have received compensation for it.
Anneliese Dodds, the Labour MP for Oxford East, urged an end to unfair rivalry from what she termed delivery operators, including firms that deny workers time for bathroom breaks.
She reported hearing disturbing accounts from those working under poor terms and conditions.
They lack sufficient time to use lavatories. They are unable to eat except while driving. They receive minimal pay. Completely unreasonable demands are placed upon them.
Ultimately, these operators are damaging the Royal Mail system.
Royal Mail was requested to outline measures being implemented to enhance services for residents of Oxfordshire.
A company spokesperson responded that the firm understands customers need to receive correspondence promptly.
Current data indicates approximately 92 per cent of letters are delivered on schedule, though the organisation acknowledges that standards have not yet reached acceptable levels in every region.
Where local difficulties exist, these typically stem from short-term staffing shortages, and efforts concentrate on resuming standard operations as swiftly as possible.