Massive Royal Mail shake-up means slower second class publish for hundreds of thousands

From 28 July, Royal Mail will cease delivering second-class letters on Saturdays throughout the UK. As a substitute, they’ll solely arrive on alternate weekdays, a part of a serious shake-up that impacts hundreds of thousands of households.

If you happen to’re used to getting publish on the weekend, this is likely to be a little bit of a shock. Nevertheless it’s not out of the blue.

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

Ofcom, the regulator in cost, says the change may 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 robotically 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 publish 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 really use publish immediately. They are saying they spoke to 1000’s of individuals and companies earlier than making the adjustments.

However others aren’t so positive.

Residents Recommendation referred to as the transfer a missed alternative. Director Tom MacInnes mentioned Royal Mail has “a woeful observe report” of late deliveries, whilst stamp costs preserve rising. He’s apprehensive this alteration is extra about saving cash than enhancing service.

What it means for you

If you happen to depend on second-class publish for issues like payments, birthday playing cards, or authorized paperwork, count on delays.

It’ll now take a bit longer, particularly across the weekend. You would possibly end up upgrading to top notch extra usually, which implies spending extra.

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

The way to keep forward

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Ship publish earlier: If you happen to want one thing to reach by a sure day, construct in additional time.
• Use top notch when it issues: It prices extra, however it’s nonetheless the quickest possibility.
• Swap to on-line the place attainable: Many providers (like payments or financial institution letters) now supply e-mail choices, which is likely to be extra dependable.
• Complain if you happen to’re let down: If Royal Mail misses necessary deliveries, communicate up. You may complain immediately or undergo Residents Recommendation.

This shake-up is likely to be Royal Mail’s try to remain afloat. However for hundreds of thousands of us, it seems like yet one more service slipping away, and one more reason to look at the place our cash’s going.

Ricky Willis is the unique Skint Dad. A money-making fanatic, father, and husband to Naomi. He’s at all times on the lookout for distinctive methods to earn just a little additional.

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