Residents in dozens of locations across the UK have been warned that some Royal Mail deliveries may be delayed on Monday, 21 September. The service update includes two North East areas among the affected locations.
The disruption affects a range of delivery offices, with Royal Mail stating that delays can happen because of staff sickness, resourcing issues or other local factors. The company said it is working to support affected offices and restore normal delivery services.
Royal Mail Lists Affected Delivery Offices Across the UK
Royal Mail’s latest service update names 38 delivery offices where some customers may experience delays. According to Royal Mail, deliveries and collections are still scheduled across the UK, with the company aiming to deliver to all addresses where it has mail, six days a week.
The affected locations include Houghton Le Spring in the North East, covering the DH4 and DH5 postcode areas. Other affected delivery offices include Banbury, Basingstoke, Bicester, Chichester, Dundee West, Ely, Exmouth, Reading East and Warrington.
The full list also includes locations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Some of the affected postcode areas include SW13 in Barnes, RG21-RG26 and RG28 in Basingstoke, PO18-PO20 in Chichester, DD2 and DD3 in Dundee West, and SK9 in Wilmslow.
Royal Mail said local offices may temporarily be unable to complete all deliveries because of operational issues. The company explained that in these situations it may rotate deliveries to reduce the impact on individual customers.
The service update also noted that some mail centres reported that not all mail had been processed or despatched on schedule over the previous weekend. According to Royal Mail, Bristol Mail Centre, London Central Mail Centre and Manchester Mail Centre reported delays affecting some mail posted for delivery in different postcode areas.
Company Explains Reasons Behind Temporary Disruptions
Royal Mail said the causes of delivery disruption vary depending on local circumstances. According to the company, factors such as high levels of sick absence, staffing resources and other local issues can affect the ability of some offices to complete deliveries as planned.
The postal operator said it provides targeted support to offices experiencing difficulties in order to address challenges and return services to their usual standard. Royal Mail also apologised for any inconvenience caused and said it would continue updating customers about the offices most affected.
Customers who need to collect an item after receiving a “Something for you” card have been advised to check Royal Mail’s locations service for details of Customer Service Point locations and opening hours.
The service update also included information about how weather conditions can affect deliveries and collections. Royal Mail said it monitors conditions and carries out risk assessments during periods of extreme heat or severe winter weather to maintain services while protecting the safety of postal workers.
The company’s latest update applies to Monday, 21 September 2026, and Royal Mail advised customers to check its service update page for further information about local delivery conditions.
