Royal Mail Proposes Every-Other-Day Delivery for Second-Class Post
Quote from VATcal on 03/04/2024, 19:13Royal Mail has unveiled plans to shake up its delivery services in a bid to cut costs. The proposals, which are currently under consideration, could see second-class post delivered just three times a week.
Under the new system, second-class letters and bulk business mail, such as bills and bank statements, would be delivered on every other weekday, instead of the current daily service. This would mean a potential wait of up to three working days for items to arrive, compared to the current two-day timeframe.
First-class post, however, would remain unaffected, with Royal Mail continuing to offer six-day-a-week deliveries. Parcels would also be delivered as normal, with a seven-day-a-week service still in place.
The proposed changes are part of Royal Mail's response to a decline in letter volumes. The company argues that the move is necessary to ensure its long-term financial sustainability. They estimate the reforms could save them around £300 million a year.
However, the plans have sparked concerns from some quarters. Unions have warned of potential job losses, while businesses reliant on second-class deliveries fear disruption and additional costs. The government has previously expressed opposition to reductions in the current six-day service.
The proposals are now with industry regulator Ofcom, who will decide whether to approve them. A final decision is expected in the coming months.
Royal Mail has unveiled plans to shake up its delivery services in a bid to cut costs. The proposals, which are currently under consideration, could see second-class post delivered just three times a week.
Under the new system, second-class letters and bulk business mail, such as bills and bank statements, would be delivered on every other weekday, instead of the current daily service. This would mean a potential wait of up to three working days for items to arrive, compared to the current two-day timeframe.
First-class post, however, would remain unaffected, with Royal Mail continuing to offer six-day-a-week deliveries. Parcels would also be delivered as normal, with a seven-day-a-week service still in place.
The proposed changes are part of Royal Mail's response to a decline in letter volumes. The company argues that the move is necessary to ensure its long-term financial sustainability. They estimate the reforms could save them around £300 million a year.
However, the plans have sparked concerns from some quarters. Unions have warned of potential job losses, while businesses reliant on second-class deliveries fear disruption and additional costs. The government has previously expressed opposition to reductions in the current six-day service.
The proposals are now with industry regulator Ofcom, who will decide whether to approve them. A final decision is expected in the coming months.
