Royal Mail could SCRAP some Saturday deliveries as it unveils major new plans

Royal Mail may soon be allowed to stop Saturday deliveries for second-class letters, as Ofcom proposes changes that would also reduce broader postal delivery targets.

Following a consultation, the regulator has provisionally decided to scale back second-class letter services to every other weekday. First-class deliveries would be maintained six days a week to satisfy postal users' needs.

Additionally, Ofcom is considering lowering Royal Mail's delivery targets. First-class mail targets will drop from 93% to 90% for next-day delivery, and second-class mail goals will decrease from 98.5% to 95% within three days.

These adjustments are intended to align more closely with international and European standards.

Natalie Black, Ofcom’s group director for networks and communications, remarked: "The world has changed – we’re sending a third of the letters we were 20 years ago.

"We need to reform the postal service to protect its future and ensure it delivers for the whole of the UK.

"But we’re safeguarding what matters most to people – first class mail six days a week at the same price throughout the UK, and a price cap on second class stamps."

Emma Gilthorpe, chief executive of Royal Mail, said: “As Ofcom’s analysis shows, it is no longer financially sustainable to maintain a network built for 20 billion letters when we are now only delivering 6.7 billion.

“Reform is crucial to support a modern, sustainable, and reliable postal service for our customers, our company and our people.”

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) warned the overhaul must come with better working conditions for Royal Mail staff and service improvements.

Dave Ward, general secretary of the CWU, said: “The trials that we have agreed with Royal Mail are