Concerns have been raised over postal delays ahead of the Scottish Parliament election in May, with calls for the UK Government to ensure the postal system can cope with the demands of the democratic process.
The warning comes after trade union leaders highlighted serious pressures within Royal Mail that they say could affect the delivery of election materials and postal ballots.
Scottish Trades Union Congress General Secretary Roz Foyer recently described the state of the postal service as “perilous”, while the Communication Workers Union has warned that ongoing delivery delays could present a threat to the smooth running of the poll.
According to recent performance data, Royal Mail delivered 77 percent of First Class mail on time and 92.5 percent of Second Class mail on time between April 2024 and March 2025.
Trade unions say staffing issues are also contributing to the challenges facing the postal service.
The Communication Workers Union reports that dissatisfaction among staff is high, with around 21 percent of new recruits in Scotland leaving their roles within 90 days.
Union representatives have also suggested that morale within parts of the workforce is at what they describe as an “all time low”.
The concerns have prompted calls for the UK Government to step in to ensure postal services operate effectively ahead of the election.
Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick said delays could have particular implications for rural areas.
“Postal workers are sounding the alarm on Royal Mail and it’s time the UK Government got a grip and sorted it out.
“What we’re seeing is unprecedented delays in the postal service.
“That hampers the delivery of time sensitive election materials and postal votes.
“This is of particular concern in the Highlands.
“I know how incredible our local posties are.
“This is not their fault. But if the UK Government fails to value them properly, providing support and a functioning workforce with healthy pay, terms, and conditions, we will lose them.
“This is a consequence of privatising the postal service which was driven by Lib Dem ministers Vince Cable and Norman Lamb when they were in power with the Conservatives.
“The SNP was against it from the start and now we see the democratic process is under threat.
“The UK Labour government must now intervene in Royal Mail to ensure a proper and fair election on the 7th of May.”
Although Royal Mail is a privately owned company, the UK Government retains what is known as a “golden share” and holds powers relating to legally binding undertakings designed to protect postal service standards and jobs.
The Scottish Parliament election is scheduled to take place on 7 May, when voters across Scotland will elect MSPs for the next parliamentary term.
Postal voting remains a widely used option, particularly in rural areas where distances and travel can make in person voting more difficult.
