From 28 July, Royal Mail will cease delivering second-class letters on Saturdays throughout the UK. On high of this, weekday deliveries might not occur each day for each family. It’s all a part of a significant shake-up that impacts tens of millions of households.
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When you’re used to getting publish on the weekend, this is perhaps a little bit of a shock. However 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 not inexpensive.
Ofcom, the regulator in cost, says the change may save Royal Mail between £250 million and £425 million a yr. 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 routinely 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 purchasers, saying the brand new setup is extra environment friendly and displays how individuals really use publish at present. 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 known as the transfer a missed alternative. Director Tom MacInnes mentioned Royal Mail has “a woeful observe file” of late deliveries, at the same time as stamp costs hold rising. He’s nervous this transformation is extra about saving cash than enhancing service.
What it means for you
When you 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 assessment gained’t end till subsequent yr – and there’s no promise costs will drop.
The right way to keep forward
Right here’s what you are able to do:
- Ship publish earlier: When you want one thing to reach by a sure day, construct in further time.
- Use top notch when it issues: It prices extra, but it surely’s nonetheless the quickest choice.
- Change to on-line the place doable: Many providers (like payments or financial institution letters) now provide electronic mail choices, which is perhaps extra dependable.
- Complain for those who’re let down: If Royal Mail misses essential deliveries, converse up. You’ll be able to complain straight or undergo Residents Recommendation.
This shake-up is perhaps Royal Mail’s try to remain afloat. However for tens of millions of us, it appears like another service slipping away, and another excuse to observe 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 in search of distinctive methods to earn somewhat further.
