ROYAL Mail could switch to a three-day-a week service in a major shake-up according to Ofcom.
The regulator said cutting letter deliveries to five or three days are among options that could be considered despite fury over potential changes.
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Ofcom warned the universal postal service risks becoming “unsustainable” without reform.
The UK’s communications watchdog said the two “primary options” could include letters being delivered to households and businesses at a slower rate.
Cutting down to five days would mean savings of £100 million to £200 million, according to the regulator.
Meanwhile, a three-day-a-week service would see expected savings of £400-600 million.
Ofcom made the comments as part of a review to show how the future of the service may be reformed to better suit consumers’ needs last year.
There has been long-term decline in letter volumes and a surge in the number of parcels sent as online shopping has grown.
It comes as Downing Street vowed that Royal Mail will not be allowed to scrap Saturday post deliveries.
Number 10 said the Government “would not countenance” ending the six-days a week service after speculation swirled over the weekend about possible cuts.
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The Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “The PM’s strong view is that Saturday deliveries provide flexibility and convenience.
“They are important for businesses and particularly publishers. The Prime Minister would not countenance seeing Saturday deliveries scrapped.”
Royal Mail itself has called for Saturday letter deliveries to be ditched, arguing they are “simply not sustainable”.
Postal Service Minister Kevin Hollinrake also told The Sun: “Six-day week deliveries are very important to our constituents and to many businesses, particularly in the magazine and greeting cards industries.
“It’s right that we look after their interests.”
He added: “Royal Mail made significant profits in previous years. They’ve had a couple of difficult years not least because of some of the industrial action they’ve been subjected to.
“But nevertheless we are keen to see Royal Mail become more efficient.
“I believe the Royal Mail can build a sustainable model. But that sustainable model must be based on a-six day service.”
It comes amid warnings from Royal Mail’s chief executive the 500-year-old firm may need a Government subsidy to remain afloat.
Royal Mail was privatised by the coalition government in 2013.
Over recent years it has been rocked by a wave of industrial disputes and its performance has increasingly come under scrutiny.
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In November, it was fined £5.6m by Ofcom for failing to meet first- and second-class delivery targets during the 2022-23 financial year.
It also revealed losses of £319 million in the six months to the end of September.
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
