‘New chapter’ for Royal Mail as deal on pay and working arrangements agreed
Royal Mail workers have voted to agree a new agreement on pay and working arrangements, in a move welcomed by the government.
The Communications Workers Union (CWU) announced that its members supported the working arrangements agreement by 65 percent, with a turnout of 32.9 percent.
The union also confirmed that the 4.5 percent salary offer was accepted by 72 percent of members, with a turnout of 32.3 percent.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: “We are all aware that postal services have let down loyal customers for too long, damaging businesses’ confidence and ability to plan for growth.
“Rebuilding trust in Royal Mail means change, which is why I’ve brought together owners and union leaders to help them reach a deal that will put the future of this vital national service on a stronger footing.
“This agreement marks a new chapter for Royal Mail.
“No one questions the hard work of Britain’s postmen.
“We all now need to see a huge improvement in the performance of the Royal Mail operation.”
Delivery targets missed
On Friday it was announced that Royal Mail had missed its delivery targets by another year.
But it said more first-class mail had been sent on time in recent weeks after pledging to invest £500 million to improve its service.
About 75.7 percent of first-class mail arrived on the next business day in the 12 months to the end of March, according to the latest quality of service report.
This was slightly less than the 76.3 percent achieved the previous year.
90.2 percent of second-class mail was delivered within three business days; This rate was less than the 92.2 percent achieved the previous year.
In line with Ofcom’s targets, 90 per cent of first-class mail should be delivered the next day and 95 per cent of second-class mail should be delivered within three days.
A spokesman for Ofcom said: “We are very concerned to see Royal Mail’s latest delivery figures today and will announce next steps shortly.”
It is understood the regulator expects to launch a full investigation into Royal Mail’s performance early next week.
Royal Mail said it had been a difficult start to the year and storms Goretti and Chandra, as well as more staff falling ill with flu, had affected its performance over the winter.
The company was fined £21 million by Ofcom in October 2025 for failing to meet its annual targets; It was the third-largest fine ever imposed by the communications watchdog.
