Royal Mail is considering stopping the delivery of second-class letters on Saturdays as part of new reforms proposed by the regulator Ofcom. The changes are being discussed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the UK’s postal service.
Currently, Royal Mail is obligated by law to deliver letters six days a week and parcels five days a week. However, with a decline in letter volumes and an increase in parcel deliveries, the service has been experiencing financial losses.
International Distribution Services (IDS), the owner of Royal Mail, has expressed the urgency for change in the postal service. They believe that regulatory changes can be made to protect customer interests without requiring new legislation. IDS has been consulting with thousands of people across the country to develop proposals for the future of the universal postal service.
On the other hand, Ofcom is focusing on ensuring that any proposed changes to the universal service benefit consumers. They want Royal Mail to invest in its network, improve efficiency, and enhance service levels regardless of the final decision.
Royal Mail has estimated that by reducing non-first-class letter deliveries, including second class and bulk business mail, they could save up to £300 million annually. This plan may result in fewer than 1,000 voluntary redundancies and the elimination of 7,000-9,000 daily delivery routes within two years.
The consultation process on the future of the universal postal service is ongoing, and a decision is expected to be made in the summer of the following year. The potential changes would impact second-class letter deliveries, which may only be available on alternate weekdays while maintaining the current delivery time of up to three working days.
While the postal service faces financial challenges, the proposed reforms aim to secure its future while meeting the changing needs of customers. With the rise in parcel deliveries and the decline in traditional letter posting, adapting to new delivery schedules may be necessary to ensure the sustainability of the postal service in the long run.