Royal Mail will discontinue Saturday deliveries of second-class letters from 28 July. This reform, authorized by Ofcom, addresses a significant drop in letter volumes and rising operational costs. Second-class mail will now be distributed on alternate weekdays. This change could yield savings of up to £425 million annually for Royal Mail to enhance service performance. Delivery targets for first-class and second-class letters are being updated as well. Ofcom is also initiating a review into postage affordability, reflecting concerns over service sustainability.
Royal Mail will end Saturday deliveries of second-class letters from 28 July, marking a significant reform to the postal service. The change is necessary due to declining letter volumes, increasing costs, and delivery delays. Ofcom's approval aims to modernize the universal postal service. The reform could save Royal Mail up to £425 million annually, which is expected to be reinvested to improve service performance.
First-class letters must now reach recipients the next working day 90% of the time, down from 93%. For second-class letters, the target falls from 98.5% to 95% within three days. A new rule requires 99% of all mail to be delivered no more than two days late.
Natalie Black from Ofcom stated that urgent reform is essential for Royal Mail's long-term sustainability, emphasizing that these changes serve consumers' and businesses' interests. She insisted that the success of these reforms depends on Royal Mail's effective implementation and communication.
Ofcom announced that a review into stamp affordability will commence, with a public consultation expected in 2026. The review reflects a significant decline in letter volumes, demonstrating the need for a modernized postal service.
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