Which areas are affected by the delays?

Royal Mail has warned that deliveries are not guaranteed for up to 92 UK postcodes, with 28 specifically listed earlier in the week. The affected areas can change daily based on staffing and volumes. Check the daily service updates before posting time-sensitive items or returns, and allow extra days if your postcode appears.

Are Special Delivery items still guaranteed?

Special Delivery has time-bound aims, but local depot issues can still delay delivery. Check current terms and any temporary changes on the service update page before posting. Keep proof of postage and tracking. If an item arrives late, you may be able to claim a refund in line with the service rules.

What should small online sellers do right now?

Update listings with realistic delivery windows, extend handling times, and message buyers in affected postcodes. Offer tracked or upgraded shipping for urgent orders, and monitor returns deadlines. Keep clear records of dispatch and tracking events to support any marketplace claims or customer service queries.

Why does this matter for investors?

Delays raise peak costs, risk SLA credits, and can dent customer satisfaction in the most important trading week. After a £21m Ofcom fine, service stability is under the microscope. Watch backlog clearance, January updates, and parcel mix. Faster normalisation would limit margin impact and reduce regulatory and reputational risk.

Global Market Insights

Royal Mail December 24: Christmas Delivery Delays Hit 92 Postcodes

ByHuzaifa Zahoor December 25, 2025December 25, 2025

Royal Mail service update Dec signals fresh pressure on Christmas deliveries. On 24 December, the company warned that deliveries are not guaranteed for up to 92 UK postcodes, with 28 named earlier in the week due to sickness and resourcing issues. This follows a £21m Ofcom fine for missed targets. We explain what changed, what customers should do now, and why the disruption matters for UK e-commerce and logistics investors as peak season costs and service levels come into focus.