According to Ofcom, which earlier this year opened up consultation on the company’s universal service obligation (USO), this change would safeguard priority deliveries, such as first class mail, and assist financially struggling Royal Mail in generating financial savings.
According to the watchdog, plans to address the needs of homes and companies in the wake of substantial drops in letter volumes due to advancements in communication technology are being considered, including “modifications” to second class delivery.
The distribution of second-class mail on alternate weekdays while keeping delivery goals for such items at three working days was also taken into consideration.
The regulator said that first class post would remain a six-day-a-week service and that choices would be taken by the end of summer after more consultation.
In response, Royal Mail said that it “cannot come soon enough” for reform.
The company’s obligations came under more scrutiny in the spring after it was revealed that International Distribution Services (IDS), the parent company of Royal Mail, had formally accepted a revised £3.6 billion offer for the business, which included the international parcels division GLS.
The government has not yet approved the EP Group, which is led by the Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky. The EP Group has pledged to honor its USO obligations as well as its UK tax domicile, headquarters, branding, and existing employment rights.
