Britain’s Royal Mail has been urged by communications regulator Ofcom to improve its delivery performance, as it proposes changes to its second-class letter service. Ofcom warns that Royal Mail has not met its quality of service obligations for the last five years, resulting in fines. The regulator is now proposing that Royal Mail be allowed to downgrade its second class service and no longer deliver letters with a 2nd class stamp on Saturdays. This move aims to give Royal Mail flexibility to improve its service and efficiency.
Ofcom’s proposal is likely to please Royal Mail, as it aligns with their previous request to reduce deliveries of second-class letters to just two or three days a week. This change could result in significant cost savings and job cuts for Royal Mail. The regulator emphasizes that regardless of changes to the universal service obligation, Royal Mail must invest in its network, become more efficient, and improve its service levels.
The proposal has sparked a debate about the future of the universal postal service and the need to balance consumer needs with financial sustainability. Organizations like Citizens Advice are calling for reforms to the Universal Service Obligation that prioritize consumer protection over cost-saving measures.
In response, Royal Mail’s parent company, International Distribution Services, highlights the need for change in the Universal Service due to shifting letter volumes. The company is open to regulatory changes that protect customer interests while ensuring the financial sustainability of the Universal Service. As discussions continue, stakeholders are working towards securing a reliable postal service for the future.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
