Massive Royal Mail shake-up means slower second class put up for tens of millions

From 28 July, Royal Mail will cease delivering second-class letters on Saturdays throughout the UK. As an alternative, they’ll solely arrive on alternate weekdays, a part of a significant shake-up that impacts tens of millions of households.

In the event you’re used to getting put up on the weekend, this is likely to be a little bit of a shock. However it’s not out of the blue.

The variety of letters despatched has dropped from 20 billion twenty years in the past to simply 6.6 billion now, and Royal Mail says the present service is now not reasonably priced.

Ofcom, the regulator in cost, says the change might save Royal Mail between £250 million and £425 million a 12 months. They’ve promised that second-class letters ought to nonetheless arrive inside three working days, even with fewer supply days.

However right here’s the catch: fewer deliveries doesn’t routinely imply higher ones.

Royal Mail has missed its supply targets so badly within the final 18 months that it’s been fined over £16 million. And with stamp costs creeping up, many are questioning in the event that they’re paying extra for much less.

First-class put up isn’t affected and can nonetheless be delivered Monday to Saturday. However let’s be sincere – when was the final time you despatched a first-class letter?

Is that this excellent news or simply cost-cutting?

Royal Mail bosses are calling it a “win” for patrons, saying the brand new setup is extra environment friendly and displays how individuals truly use put up immediately. They are saying they spoke to 1000’s of individuals and companies earlier than making the modifications.

However others aren’t so certain.

Residents Recommendation referred to as the transfer a missed alternative. Director Tom MacInnes stated Royal Mail has “a woeful monitor report” of late deliveries, at the same time as stamp costs preserve rising. He’s nervous this modification is extra about saving cash than bettering service.

What it means for you

In the event you depend on second-class put up for issues like payments, birthday playing cards, or authorized paperwork, anticipate delays.

It’ll now take a bit longer, particularly across the weekend. You may end up upgrading to top quality extra usually, which suggests spending extra.

Ofcom says it’s reviewing the value of stamps too, after complaints about rising prices. However that assessment gained’t end till subsequent 12 months – and there’s no promise costs will drop.

Learn how to keep forward

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Ship put up earlier: In the event you want one thing to reach by a sure day, construct in additional time.
• Use top quality when it issues: It prices extra, however it’s nonetheless the quickest choice.
• Change to on-line the place attainable: Many providers (like payments or financial institution letters) now provide e-mail choices, which is likely to be extra dependable.
• Complain in case you’re let down: If Royal Mail misses essential deliveries, communicate up. You may complain straight or undergo Residents Recommendation.

This shake-up is likely to be Royal Mail’s try to remain afloat. However for tens of millions of us, it looks like another service slipping away, and another excuse to look at the place our cash’s going.