Royal Mail: Saturday Second Class Post Faces Axe – What Brits Need to Know
Big changes are landing soon in UK letterboxes. Royal Mail has received the green light to scrap second class Saturday deliveries — a decision that could take effect as early as July 28.
Ofcom, the postal regulator, confirmed the move following a lengthy consultation process. The aim? To help keep the struggling universal postal service afloat.
From the end of the month, Royal Mail will no longer be required to deliver second class letters on Saturdays. Instead, a weekday-only schedule will take its place. But don’t worry — first class post will still be hitting doorsteps from Monday to Saturday.
Despite the weekend cutback, Royal Mail must still meet its commitment to deliver second class mail within three working days.
This isn’t the only shake-up.
Ofcom has also launched a fresh review of stamp pricing, with growing concern over the rising cost of sending letters.
To add pressure, the regulator has introduced tougher delivery targets. Royal Mail must now ensure that 99% of all mail is delivered no more than two days late. A new “backstop” measure, designed to clamp down on delays.
“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.”
The shift comes as Royal Mail continues to face increasing competition, operational challenges, and public criticism over reliability.
Many households, especially those in rural areas, have long depended on weekend deliveries. For them, this may feel like yet another blow.
That said, postal experts argue the move reflects the changing habits of modern Britain — fewer letters, more parcels, and a digital-first world.
Bottom line? Saturdays are no longer sacred for second class post.
The countdown to the end of weekend deliveries has begun.
