A major change is being made to Royal Mail delivery times in a bid to help the service 'survive' - with the updated scheduling coming into play from 28 July.
As part of the overhaul, those sending second-class post can no longer expect deliveries to be made on a Saturday. The changes mean second-class letters will instead arrive on alternate weekdays.
The altered service came into effect as part of regulator Ofcom's plan to cut costs and align delivery services, with decreasing demand amid a decline in letter sending and an increase in stamp prices.
It means the usual Monday to Saturday deliveries for first-class post will remain as usual - while weekend deliveries will be scrapped altogether for second class, with an alternate weekday service taking over.
However, Royal Mail is set to keep its target of all second-class letters arriving within three working days.
After ongoing discussions, the hope is the tweaks to services will help Royal Mail in decreasing costs by between £250 million and £425 million per year.
A spokesperson for the organisation explained the necessary changes are being made in order to help Royal Mail to 'survive' in the modern landscape - but there are no promises of an improved service.
Natalie Black, Ofcom’s group director for networks and communications, says: "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," she adds.
Ofcom also outlined how it is felt Royal Mail customers care more about affordable and reliable postage than quick delivery times.
