Royal Mail is considering making changes to its services, with the possibility of ending second-class letter deliveries on Saturdays. The move is part of an effort to reform the postal service and secure its long-term future.
Ofcom, the regulator, has been consulting on the future of the universal postal service and is focusing on potential changes to the second-class delivery service. Under the proposed plans, second-class deliveries would no longer be made on Saturdays and would only occur on alternate weekdays. Despite these changes, delivery times would remain the same, with letters taking up to three working days to arrive.
Although no final decision has been made yet, Ofcom aims to publish a consultation in early 2025 and reach a decision by the summer of that year. Currently, Royal Mail is required by law to deliver letters six days a week and parcels five days a week. The decline in letter volumes over the years, coupled with an increase in parcel deliveries, has led to financial losses for the service.
International Distribution Services (IDS), the owner of Royal Mail, emphasised the need for change in the postal service. Martin Seidenberg, group chief executive of IDS, mentioned that the proposed changes have been developed after consulting with thousands of people across the country. He highlighted the importance of protecting what matters most to customers and addressing the financial challenges faced by the universal service.
Ofcom’s group director for networks and communications, Lindsey Fussell, stated that any proposed changes to the universal service should aim to achieve the best outcome for consumers. The focus is on bringing the service back to a sustainable position while meeting the needs of the public. However, Ofcom stressed that Royal Mail must invest in its network, improve efficiency, and enhance service levels, regardless of the changes implemented.
Royal Mail’s earlier proposals to reduce non-first-class letter deliveries, including second class and bulk business mail, could save the company up to £300 million annually. The group also anticipates a reduction in daily delivery routes and voluntary redundancies as part of the restructuring plan.
Overall, the potential changes to Royal Mail’s services reflect a broader effort to adapt to the evolving postal landscape and ensure the service’s viability in the long run. By modernising its operations and responding to shifting consumer demands, Royal Mail aims to remain a trusted and efficient postal provider in the UK.