Royal Mail has confirmed a major change to its 2nd class delivery service, ending Saturday deliveries and introducing an alternate weekday schedule. The postal operator is sending leaflets to UK households to inform them of the updates, which will roll out across the country in 2026.
What Is Changing for 2nd Class Mail?
Under the new system, 2nd class letters and cards will no longer be delivered on Saturdays. Instead, deliveries will occur every other weekday—for example, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday one week, then Tuesday and Thursday the following week. Royal Mail states that the service will still aim to deliver items within three working days, but weekend gaps mean a letter posted on a Thursday may not arrive until the following Tuesday.
The leaflet being distributed reads: "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."
New Delivery Timetable
Royal Mail has published an expected delivery timetable based on the day of posting:
- 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
A standard 2nd class letter stamp currently costs 91p, with maximum compensation for loss or damage set at £20.
Why the Changes Are Happening
Royal Mail explained that the reforms follow an extensive consultation process involving stakeholders and a decision by Ofcom in July 2025 to reform the Universal Service Obligation (USO). The USO had previously required Royal Mail to collect and deliver letters to every UK address six days a week. However, with fewer letters being sent, the changes aim to deliver a more reliable and sustainable service.
On its website, Royal Mail stated: "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 the Same
Royal Mail has confirmed it 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 unchanged, and parcels will still be delivered up to seven days a week.
Royal Mail added: "We understand the important role mail plays in keeping you connected with the people and organisations in your life. 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."
