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 thousands and thousands of households.
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When you’re used to getting submit on the weekend, this may 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 not reasonably priced.
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 mechanically 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 submit isn’t affected and can nonetheless be delivered Monday to Saturday. However let’s be trustworthy – 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 truly use submit at this time. They are saying they spoke to hundreds of individuals and companies earlier than making the adjustments.
However others aren’t so certain.
Residents Recommendation referred to as the transfer a missed alternative. Director Tom MacInnes mentioned Royal Mail has “a woeful monitor report” of late deliveries, whilst stamp costs hold rising. He’s frightened this modification is extra about saving cash than bettering service.
What it means for you
When you depend on second-class submit for issues like payments, birthday playing cards, or authorized paperwork, anticipate delays.
It’ll now take a bit longer, particularly across the weekend. You would possibly end up upgrading to firstclass extra typically, which implies spending extra.
Ofcom says it’s reviewing the value of stamps too, after complaints about rising prices. However that evaluate received’t end till subsequent yr – and there’s no promise costs will drop.
How one can keep forward
Right here’s what you are able to do:
- Ship submit earlier: When you want one thing to reach by a sure day, construct in further time.
- Use firstclass when it issues: It prices extra, but it surely’s nonetheless the quickest choice.
- Swap to on-line the place potential: Many companies (like payments or financial institution letters) now supply electronic mail choices, which may be extra dependable.
- Complain for those who’re let down: If Royal Mail misses essential deliveries, communicate up. You may complain straight or undergo Residents Recommendation.
This shake-up may be Royal Mail’s try to remain afloat. However for thousands and thousands of us, it looks like yet another service slipping away, and another excuse 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 all the time on the lookout for distinctive methods to earn a little bit further.
