Royal Mail parcel volumes decreased 13 per cent in the first quarter compared to the same period last year.

But versus to pre-pandemic levels, volumes were up 19 per cent.

Overall parcel revenue increased by 3.4 per cent per cent during the quarter in comparison to 2020 and by 36.2 per cent vs 2019.

“For Royal Mail, as expected, parcel volumes decreased and letter volumes increased compared to the exceptional period last year encompassing the UK’s first lockdown, when non-essential retailers closed for the first time,” said Keith Williams, chair at Royal Mail. “We are starting to see evidence that the domestic parcel market is re-basing to a higher level than pre-pandemic, as consumers continue to shop online.”

Williams added: “For GLS, as expected, parcel volume growth continued albeit at a slower rate, due to the exceptionally strong comparators from the same period in 2020-21."

The Royal Mail chair warned that while restrictions continue to ease, there is still uncertainty about levels of Covid-19 transmission, the impact on consumer behaviour and economic factors such as GDP growth and inflation.
He said that the company continues to expect fluctuations in volumes as restrictions are lifted.

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