Full list of postcodes and post offices with problems this week as issues continue

The Royal Mail, like many other key services, has been hit hard by staff shortages this month.

The postal service has said that both Covid-related self-isolation and high numbers of workers off sick are affecting delivery times.

A statement on the Royal Mail site reads: “Deliveries are operating as normal across most of the country today. We aim to deliver to all addresses we have mail for, six days a week.

“In a small number of local offices this may temporarily not be possible due to local issues such as Covid-related self isolation, high levels of sick absence, resourcing, or other local factors. In those cases we will rotate deliveries to minimise the delay to individual customers.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.”

Some areas are affected worse than others. The Royal Mail publishes a daily list of the postcodes which may experience delays.

What postcodes are worst affected?

Here are the most-impacted services on Wednesday 26 January:

• Barking DO (IG11)
• Camberwell (SE5)
• East Dulwich (SE22)
• Havant DO (PO9 and PO10)
• Herne Hill DO (SE24)
• Hornsey DO (N8)
• Hoylake DO (CH47 and CH48)
• Manchester South West DO (M15, M16 and M32)
• West Norwood DO (SE27)
• Willesden DO (NW10 and NW26)

Royal Mail has said it plans to cut about 700 management jobs as it tries to reduce costs. Meanwhile it struggles to cope with staff absences. Regulator Ofcom has said it may impose fines in some areas where Royal Mail’s services have been particularly badly delayed.

How do I complain to Royal Mail?

If your post has been delayed and you want to make a complaint to Royal Mail you can do so either by phone or through its website.

You can find the complaint webform here. To make your complaint by phone call 03457 740 740. The line is open Monday to Friday 7am-8pm, Saturday 8am-6pm and Sunday 9am-4pm.