Royal Mail has confirmed it will end Saturday deliveries for second‑class letters as part of a major overhaul of its postal service being rolled out across the UK in 2026.
The changes follow reforms to the Universal Service Obligation announced by Ofcom in July 2025, which for decades required Royal Mail to collect and deliver letters six days a week to every address in the country.
Households are now receiving leaflets explaining how the revised schedule will work.
Royal Mail said customers “may notice a change” to how second‑class letters are delivered, describing the move as part of efforts to offer a more reliable and sustainable service that reflects modern sending habits.
Under the new arrangements, second‑class letters will be delivered on alternating weekdays rather than every weekday.
One week, deliveries will take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; the following week, they will switch to Tuesday and Thursday before the cycle repeats.
Despite the reduced frequency, Royal Mail said it will continue aiming to deliver second‑class post within three working days.
Royal Mail confirms end to Saturday second class deliveries as new postal changes begin
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GETTYThe company has published expected delivery windows based on posting day:
– Letters posted Monday should arrive by Thursday.
– Tuesday post should arrive by Friday.
– Wednesday post should arrive by Monday.
– Thursday post should arrive by Tuesday.
– Friday or Saturday post should arrive by Wednesday.
– Sunday post should arrive by Thursday.
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The changes come after second‑class stamp prices rose from 87p to 91p in April 2026.
Standard compensation for lost or damaged second‑class items remains capped at £20.
Royal Mail said declining letter volumes were the main driver of the revised schedule, arguing that fewer letters are being sent and the service must adapt to remain dependable.
Several parts of the postal service will remain unchanged.
Royal Mail will continue to operate its nationwide one‑price‑goes‑anywhere system, meaning customers pay the same price regardless of destination.
First‑class letters will still be delivered six days a week and customers will continue to be able to choose between first‑ and second‑class services for letters and parcels.
Parcel deliveries remain unaffected and will continue up to seven days a week.
Royal Mail said the reforms are intended to create a more reliable and sustainable postal service while reflecting the continued decline in letter volumes.
“Thank you for your patience while we make these crucial changes,” the company said.