Royal Mail has announced that it will no longer deliver 2nd class letters on Saturdays, as part of a sweeping overhaul of its postal service. The change, which will be rolled out across the UK in 2026, means 2nd class mail will now be delivered on alternate weekdays instead.
Leaflets inform households of upcoming changes
Royal Mail and a courier firm have been distributing leaflets to millions of households across the UK to inform them about the upcoming changes. The leaflet states: "Over the coming months, you may notice a change to how we deliver 2nd class letters. It's part of our effort to offer a more reliable and sustainable service shaped around how our customers send today."
Under the new system, 2nd class letters and cards will be delivered on a revised weekday pattern from Monday to Friday, with deliveries alternating between weekdays. For example, one week deliveries may occur on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, followed by Tuesday and Thursday the next week. Saturday deliveries for 2nd class mail have been permanently axed.
Delivery targets and compensation
Despite the changes, Royal Mail says it still aims to deliver 2nd class letters within three working days. However, with weekend breaks factored in, a letter posted on a Thursday might not arrive until the following Tuesday. A standard 2nd class letter stamp is priced at 91p, and maximum standard compensation for loss or damage stands at £20.
Royal Mail confirmed that the alterations will be implemented "across the UK in 2026." On its website, a further statement explains: "Royal Mail plays a vital role in connecting the nation through its one-price-goes-anywhere service. For many years, the Universal Service Obligation has required us to collect and deliver letters to every UK address six days a week. Following an extensive consultation process involving many stakeholders, Ofcom announced reforms to the Universal Service in July 2025. Letters remain an important means of keeping us connected, but fewer are being sent these days. These changes to the Universal Service will help us deliver a more reliable and sustainable service for you in the future."
Expected delivery timetable
Given that post will only arrive on alternate weekdays, the date you send your mail will determine the anticipated delivery window:
- Posted Monday: Expected Thursday.
- Posted Tuesday: Expected Friday.
- Posted Wednesday: Expected Monday.
- Posted Thursday: Expected Tuesday.
- Posted Friday or Saturday: Expected Wednesday.
- Posted Sunday: Expected Thursday.
What remains unchanged
Royal Mail has confirmed it will maintain its single-price nationwide service throughout the UK, while continuing to deliver 1st class letters six days weekly (Monday through Saturday). The options of 1st and 2nd class for both letters and parcels are unchanged, with parcel deliveries continuing up to seven days each week.
"We understand the important role mail plays in keeping you connected with the people and organisations in your life," Royal Mail said. "These changes to our 2nd class service, as fewer letters are being sent these days, will help us focus on delivering for you in a more consistent and dependable way. Thank you for your patience while we make these crucial changes."
