Royal Mail’s Six-Day Delivery Under Threat
Royal Mail’s iconic six-day letter delivery could be slashed. Industry watchdog Ofcom warns the current system is “unsustainable” without major reform. Their latest review suggests cutting services to five days—or even as few as three.
Saturday Deliveries Could Be History
Royal Mail backs scrapping Saturday deliveries, blaming dwindling demand. Ofcom offers two bold options: keep post running five days a week or a harsh reduction to just three. Both would mean changing existing laws.
There’s also talk of shaking up first and second class mail plus business deliveries. This could mean most post taking three days or more, while urgent letters may still get next-day delivery.
Billions in Savings on the Table
Ofcom claims these cuts could save Royal Mail between £100 million and £200 million with a five-day service. Slash it to three days and savings shoot up to £400 million–£650 million. Max savings hit £650 million if most mail arrives within three days.
Voices Clash Over Future of Post
Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom Chief Exec: “The universal service hasn’t changed since 2011; it’s getting out of date and will become unsustainable if we don’t take action.”
She stresses a national debate is needed on the future of postal services. To cushion the blow, Ofcom plans to cap second class stamp prices.
But not everyone is on board. Liberal Democrat Sarah Olney warned, “We shouldn’t be receiving a second-class service.” Meanwhile, Postal Affairs Minister Kevin Hollinrake insists the government aims to keep six-day deliveries starting next year without drastic cuts.
