Royal Mail given go-ahead to make modifications to second-class put up service | EUROtoday

Royal Mail has been granted permission by regulator Ofcom to stop Saturday deliveries for second-class put up, efficient from 28 July. The postal service will discontinue its six-day-a-week service for second-class letters, transferring them to another weekday schedule.

First-class put up will, nevertheless, retain its Monday to Saturday supply. Ofcom confirmed the three-working-day supply goal for second-class letters stays unchanged.

The important shift follows in depth session, aiming to bolster the common postal service’s long-term viability.

Ofcom added it had additionally launched a evaluation of the worth of stamps amid issues over affordability, whereas it is usually setting new backstop supply targets in order that 99% of mail needs to be delivered not more than two days late.

Natalie Black, Ofcom’s group director for networks and communications, mentioned: “These changes are in the best interests of consumers and businesses, as urgent reform of the postal service is necessary to give it the best chance of survival.

“But changing Royal Mail’s obligations alone won’t guarantee a better service – the company now has to play its part and implement this effectively.

“We’ll be making sure Royal Mail is clear with its customers about what’s happening, and passes the benefits of these changes on to them.”

Martin Seidenberg, group chief govt of Royal Mail guardian agency International Distribution Services, mentioned: “We welcome today’s announcement from Ofcom.

“It is good news for customers across the UK as it supports the delivery of a reliable, efficient and financially sustainable universal service.

“It follows extensive consultation with thousands of people and businesses to ensure that the postal service better reflects their needs and the realities of how customers send and receive mail today.”

On the modifications to the Royal Mail service and Ofcom’s stamp evaluation, a Government spokesperson mentioned: “The public expects a well-run postal service, with letters arriving on time across the country without it costing the earth.

“With the way people use postal services having changed, it’s right the regulator has looked at this.

“We now need Royal Mail to work with unions and posties to deliver a service that people expect, and this includes maintaining the principle of one price to send a letter anywhere in the UK.”