Royal Mail delaying big change to delivery rules until next month

Previous rules had meant the postal service had to deliver post six days a week, from Monday to Saturday.

The Royal Mail is delaying a huge change to deliveries until early next year. Royal Mail has delayed a big change to deliveries until early next year – meaning it could start in January.

The Royal Mail will not roll out changes to ditch second class letter deliveries on Saturdays more widely across the UK until early next year. Natalie Black, Ofcom’s group director for networks and communications, said reform of the postal service was “necessary”.

It said previously it was “keen to move ahead with deployment as soon as possible”. Previous rules had meant the postal service had to deliver post six days a week, from Monday to Saturday.

READ MORE State pensioners born before 1951 set to miss out on £575 Triple Lock boost

It was also required to drop off parcels on five days from Monday to Friday. It comes days after it emerged Royal Mail has given workers a collection of 50 Christmas stamps to recognise their work over the busiest time of year.

In previous years, including in 2024, workers have received a book of 50 or 100 first-class stamps, but that has quietly been switched to second class this year.

The downgraded perk has caused bemusement among Royal Mail’s workers.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) said that workers were irritated by the message the change sent.

A CWU spokesperson said: “The decision to send employees second-class stamps this Christmas exemplifies the way Royal Mail has been treating its staff for a long time now.

“Whilst postal workers are disappointed at this latest development they will, as always continue to deliver a first-class service to customers and businesses across the UK.”

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Every Christmas, Royal Mail recognises the hard work of colleagues in a number of ways, including a frontline bonus, free stamps and a wider recognition programme, to thank them for their efforts during our busiest time of year.

“This year, we’ve included 50 second-class stamps to reflect recent changes to the universal service obligation and to help keep mail moving smoothly for customers throughout the festive season.”