Royal Mail has received approval to discontinue Saturday deliveries for second class post starting on July 28, marking a significant change in the postal service. Additionally, second class post will now only be delivered on alternate weekdays. Despite the reduced service, the communications regulator Ofcom has assured that there will still be a target for second class letters to arrive within three working days.
Ofcom initially proposed to reduce the number of days for second class post earlier this year in January, with the plans now officially confirmed. The regulator estimated that this adjustment could save Royal Mail between £250 million and £425 million, considering the decline in letter deliveries from 20 billion two decades ago to 6.6 billion today.
Royal Mail has faced penalties exceeding £16 million in the past 18 months due to missed delivery targets and subpar performance. However, first class post will continue to be delivered from Monday to Saturday.
Natalie Black, Ofcom’s Group Director for Networks and Communications, emphasized the necessity of these changes to enhance the postal service’s viability. She highlighted the importance of Royal Mail implementing these changes effectively and ensuring that customers benefit from the adjustments.
Martin Seidenberg, the group chief executive of Royal Mail’s parent company International Distribution Services, expressed support for Ofcom’s announcement, stating that it will lead to a more reliable, efficient, and financially sustainable universal service for customers across the UK.
Tom MacInnes, Director of Policy at Citizens Advice, criticized Royal Mail’s delivery track record and postage cost increases. He urged for meaningful changes to improve service reliability and standards, emphasizing the significance of affordability and reliability for consumers.
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