OFCOM PROPOSES CHANGES TO ROYAL MAIL-Second-class letters to be delivered on alternate weekdays
UK Regulator Ofcom has stated that it has proposed changes to Royal Mail’s obligations including second-class letters delivered on alternate weekdays instead of Saturdays.
The Royal Mail, in a bid to upgrade its operations as it shifts its focus to parcels, has a legal obligation to deliver letters Monday through Saturday and parcels Monday to Friday as well as offer two delivery speeds – first class for next day and second class for within three days.
Ofcom said cutting second class letters to week days, though within three working days of collection and with a price cap, while maintaining first-class letters six days a week, would adequately cater to the public.
Its provisional recommendations also included cutting Royal Mail’s delivery targets, for first class mail from 93% to 90% delivered the next day, and for second class mail from 98.5% to 95% delivered within three days.
Ofcom’s consultation on the proposed changes will run until 10 April, and it expects to publish its decision in the summer.
