Royal Mail has confirmed that Saturday deliveries for 2nd class letters and cards will be permanently abolished across the UK in 2026. The change is part of a broader reform of the Universal Service Obligation approved by Ofcom in July 2025.
New Delivery Schedule for 2nd Class Mail
From now on, 2nd class letters and cards will be delivered on alternating weekdays, Monday to Friday, instead of six days a week. Royal Mail leaflets distributed to UK households explain: "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."
The delivery target remains three working days, but weekend intervals mean that a letter posted on Thursday may not arrive until the following Tuesday. For example, a letter posted on Monday is expected Thursday; Tuesday posted arrives Friday; Wednesday posted arrives Monday; Thursday posted arrives Tuesday; Friday or Saturday posted arrives Wednesday; Sunday posted arrives Thursday.
Impact on Customers
A standard 2nd Class letter stamp is priced at 91p, with maximum compensation for loss or damage set at £20. Royal Mail states that the changes will be rolled out across the UK over the coming months, taking effect in 2026.
On its website, Royal Mail said: "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."
What Remains Unchanged
Royal Mail will maintain its one-price-goes-anywhere service across the UK. First class letters will continue to be delivered six days a week (Monday to Saturday). The choice of 1st and 2nd class for letters and parcels remains, and parcels will still be delivered up to seven days a week.
"We understand the important role mail plays in keeping you connected with the people and organisations in your life," Royal Mail added. "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."
