Options on the Table
Royal Mail is considering a major shake-up that could see the postal service switch to a three-day-a-week delivery service, according to Ofcom. The regulator has suggested that cutting down letter deliveries to either five or three days a week are among the options that could be considered. However, these potential changes have sparked fury among critics.
Risks to the Universal Postal Service
Ofcom has warned that the universal postal service could become "unsustainable" without reform. The proposed cuts aim to generate significant cost savings for Royal Mail. If the service were to be reduced to five days a week, it is estimated that savings of £100 million to £200 million could be made. Further reductions to three days a week could result in expected savings of £400-600 million.
Government Vows to Protect Saturday Deliveries
Amid speculation about possible cuts to the postal service, Downing Street has assured the public that Royal Mail will not be allowed to scrap Saturday post deliveries. The UK government has stated that it "would not countenance" ending the current six-days-a-week service. The Prime Minister's spokesperson emphasized the importance of Saturday deliveries for businesses, particularly publishers, and highlighted the convenience and flexibility they provide.
