Huge Royal Mail shake-up means slower second class submit for tens of millions

From 28 July, Royal Mail will cease delivering second-class letters on Saturdays throughout the UK. On prime of this, weekday deliveries could not occur each day for each family. It’s all a part of a serious shake-up that impacts tens of millions of households.

In case you’re used to getting submit 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 might 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 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 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 folks really use submit at the moment. They are saying they spoke to hundreds 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 monitor report” of late deliveries, at the same time as stamp costs preserve rising. He’s apprehensive this variation is extra about saving cash than bettering service.

What it means for you

In case 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 usually, which implies spending extra.

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

The best way to keep forward

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Ship submit earlier: In case you want one thing to reach by a sure day, construct in additional time.
• Use firstclass when it issues: It prices extra, however it’s nonetheless the quickest choice.
• Swap to on-line the place doable: Many companies (like payments or financial institution letters) now provide electronic mail choices, which is perhaps extra dependable.
• Complain in case you’re let down: If Royal Mail misses necessary 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 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 bit additional.

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