Royal Mail Cuts Saturday Second-Class Deliveries to Save Costs
Royal Mail is set to stop delivering second-class letters on Saturdays starting from the 28th July as part of a series of urgent reforms to keep the postal service afloat. Instead, second-class post will arrive only on alternate weekdays, either Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or Tuesday and Thursday in a two-week cycle. Despite fewer delivery days, Royal Mail promises second-class letters will still reach customers within three working days, though delivery targets for both first and second-class mail are being lowered slightly.
The changes come amid a sharp drop in letter volumes over the past two decades, which has led to rising delivery costs and losses for Royal Mail. Ofcom estimates the move could save the company between £250 million and £425 million annually, helping it invest in better performance. Royal Mail’s parent company welcomed the reforms, calling them "good news for customers across the UK," while consumer groups criticized the decision, warning it won’t automatically improve reliability or reduce stamp prices. Ofcom has also launched a review of stamp affordability following concerns over rising costs.
A government spokesperson emphasized the need for Royal Mail to maintain a well-run service that meets public expectations without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, Ofcom has introduced new rules requiring Royal Mail to ensure 99% of mail arrives no more than two days late to cut down on long delays, even as the service adapts to modern postal demands.
