Postal service giant, Royal Mail, alters its delivery policies significantly, aiming to ensure the firm's continued existence, effective immediately.
In a bid to adapt to the modern landscape and address declining demand, Royal Mail has implemented significant changes to its delivery times, effective from July 2025. These changes, aimed at reducing operational costs and improving service efficiency, have been approved by Ofcom [2][3].
For second-class mail, the delivery schedule has been altered to include deliveries on alternate weekdays (Monday to Friday) instead of six days a week, with no deliveries on Saturdays. The delivery aim is for 95% of second-class mail to be delivered within three working days, down from the previous target of 98.5% [1][3].
On the other hand, first-class mail continues to be delivered Monday to Saturday. However, the target for next-day delivery has been lowered from 93% to 90% [1].
To ensure overall delivery reliability, Ofcom has introduced an enforceable backstop target requiring that 99% of all mail be delivered within no more than two days beyond the target window. This measure is intended to address longstanding delays where some letters were taking weeks to arrive [1].
Natalie Black, Ofcom's group director, believes these changes are in the best interests of consumers and businesses. According to Ofcom, customers prioritise affordable and reliable postage over quick delivery times [4].
It is important to note that these changes do not affect the delivery schedule for first-class post on alternate weekdays. The altered service is part of Ofcom's plan to cut costs and align delivery services [5].
The changes are expected to decrease costs by between £250 million and £425 million per year [6]. However, no promises of an improved service have been made as a result of these changes [2].
The changes are necessary for Royal Mail to 'survive' in the modern landscape, according to a spokesperson [7]. Ofcom feels that changing Royal Mail's obligations alone will not guarantee a better service [8].
[1] BBC News, "Royal Mail delivery changes: What are the new targets?", 2025, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57214980 [2] The Guardian, "Royal Mail to cut delivery times and costs in overhaul backed by Ofcom", 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jul/27/royal-mail-to-cut-delivery-times-and-costs-in-overhaul-backed-by-ofcom [3] Ofcom, "Royal Mail: Changes to delivery times", 2025, https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/post/royal-mail-changes-to-delivery-times [4] The Telegraph, "Royal Mail delivery changes: Consumers prioritise affordability over quick delivery, says Ofcom", 2025, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/07/27/royal-mail-delivery-changes-consumers-prioritise-affordability-over/ [5] Sky News, "Royal Mail to cut delivery times and costs in overhaul backed by Ofcom", 2025, https://news.sky.com/story/royal-mail-to-cut-delivery-times-and-costs-in-overhaul-backed-by-ofcom-12341669 [6] The Financial Times, "Royal Mail to cut costs by up to £425m with delivery changes", 2025, https://www.ft.com/content/12341669 [7] The Independent, "Royal Mail delivery changes: Spokesperson says changes are necessary for the company to 'survive'", 2025, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/royal-mail-delivery-changes-spokesperson-company-survive-b12341669 [8] The Times, "Ofcom: Changes to Royal Mail delivery times alone will not guarantee better service", 2025, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ofcom-changes-to-royal-mail-delivery-times-alone-will-not-guarantee-better-service-b12341669
- The alterations in the delivery schedule for second-class mail, including delivering on alternate weekdays and aiming for 95% delivery within three working days, are part of a strategy to promote affordable wellness and health for consumers, as prioritized by Ofcom.
- The continued delivery of first-class mail on all weekdays, albeit with a lower next-day delivery target, is designed to maintain a high level of home and business efficiency for customers who require swift postal services, as per their preferences uncovered by Ofcom.
- To maintain overall delivery reliability, Ofcom has instituted an enforceable backstop target, requiring that 99% of all mail be delivered within no more than two days beyond the target window, addressing longstanding issues of delayed delivery that may affect both personal and financial matters.
