Royal Mail statement on what to do if your post is delayed

Royal Mail explained what to do if you have not received any post for many days. The statement comes after a social media user claimed they hadn’t received any letters for almost a fortnight. The person claimed they visited their local sorting office, where staff handed over 12 pieces of mail.

The delivery group was asked what residents should do when post seems to have stopped arriving at their property. A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We understand how frustrating it can be when letters are delayed.

“We want to reassure customers that the vast majority of First Class mail arrives the next working day.” The organisation said that when First Class items experience delays, 92 per cent reach their destination within 48 hours, while 99 per cent of letters are delivered within five working days.

Nevertheless, the postal giant also warned that customers may at times go several days without any deliveries from them. The spokesperson said: “As the volume of letters has fallen dramatically over the past decade, it is now increasingly common to go several days without receiving any post if nothing is expected.

“However, if you have concerns about missing mail, please get in touch and we will investigate.” First Class letters should reach the recipient by the next working day, allowing an additional day when redirection is needed.

Royal Mail aims to deliver Second Class items within two to three working days, plus an extra working day where redirection is required. If your item hasn’t arrived by the anticipated date plus an additional 10 working days, you may be able to claim compensation through the Royal Mail website.

Should you have a reference number, you can keep tabs on your delivery using the ‘Track your item’ function on the Royal Mail website. If your item’s status is listed as ‘ready for delivery’, it should arrive at your address during the next delivery round.

There are instances where Royal Mail may choose not to deliver an item, such as if it’s deemed unsafe. This could be due to severe weather conditions or if there’s a dangerous dog on the premises.

Your mail may also not be delivered if the address is inaccessible, for example, if the letterbox isn’t within reach. Another reason it may not be possible to deliver an item is if there’s a door entry security system installed.