Royal Mail has won regulatory approval to reduce second-class letter deliveries to just two days a week from July 28, cutting Saturday services as part of a cost-saving shake-up.
This move, part of Ofcom’s reforms, aims to help Royal Mail save up to £425 million annually by easing delivery obligations, while maintaining a three-working-day target for second-class mail.
Despite these changes, first-class letters will still be delivered six days a week.
The overhaul follows the £3.6 billion acquisition of Royal Mail by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, marking the company’s first foreign ownership in 500 years.
However, union leaders warn the delivery cuts won’t fix underlying issues like staff shortages and poor working conditions.
Ofcom plans to review stamp affordability next year, suggesting potential price rises ahead as the postal service grapples with balancing cost pressures and service demands.