Royal Mail is not ending all Saturday deliveries in 2026, but it is planning to stop Saturday deliveries for second-class letters across the UK.

Under the proposed changes, first-class post, parcels and tracked deliveries will still continue to arrive on Saturdays. The reforms follow an agreement between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union, with nationwide changes expected by December 2026.

Key points:

• Second-class letters may no longer be delivered on Saturdays
• First-class post and parcels will still be delivered six days a week
• The changes are expected to roll out across all UK delivery offices by December 2026
• Royal Mail says the reform is needed to make the service financially sustainable
• Ofcom has approved the changes as long as second-class letters still arrive within three working days

Is Royal Mail Scrapping Saturday Service for Second-Class Post?

Royal Mail is not scrapping all Saturday deliveries, but it plans to remove Saturday rounds for second-class letters. Under the proposed changes, second-class post would be delivered on weekdays only, while first-class letters and parcels would continue Monday to Saturday.

The plan follows negotiations between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union (CWU). Both sides have reached an agreement to roll out the changes across 1,200 delivery offices by December 2026.

Royal Mail has already tested the system in 35 offices and plans to expand trials to 240 more before a nationwide rollout.

Alistair Cochrane, chief executive of Royal Mail, said:

“This agreement with the CWU paves the way for Universal Service reform rollout and represents a significant investment in our people.”

For most people, this means that a second-class letter posted on Friday may no longer arrive on Saturday. Instead, it could be delivered the following Monday or Tuesday.

Why Is Royal Mail Changing Its Saturday Delivery Service?

Royal Mail says the current six-day service for all letters is no longer financially sustainable. Letter volumes have fallen sharply over the last decade as more people use email, online banking and digital communication. At the same time, parcel deliveries have increased significantly due to online shopping.

The company argues that it is struggling to maintain a nationwide six-day letter service while also meeting demand for parcels. Royal Mail has repeatedly failed to meet Ofcom’s delivery targets in recent years, particularly for second-class letters.

According to the company, reducing Saturday second-class deliveries would help it:

• Focus more resources on first-class post and parcel deliveries
• Improve reliability across the network
• Reduce delays and missed delivery targets
• Cut operating costs while keeping the service running long term

Royal Mail also believes that the changes will help modernise the Universal Service Obligation, which currently requires the company to deliver letters six days a week.

Daniel Kretinsky, owner of Royal Mail, recently told MPs:

“The service cannot be fixed until plans for reform of the Universal Service Obligation are put in place.”

What Exactly Will Change Under the New Royal Mail Delivery Rules?

Proposed changes to Royal Mail delivery rules could significantly affect how and when different types of mail are delivered.

Understanding what will change, and what will stay the same, can help you plan for any delays, especially if you rely on regular postal services.

Which Types of Mail Will No Longer Be Delivered on Saturdays?

Only second-class letters are expected to lose Saturday delivery. This includes standard letters, greetings cards and non-urgent mail sent using a second-class stamp.

If you regularly receive appointment letters, utility bills or business correspondence by second-class post, you may notice longer waits.

What Will Still Be Delivered on Saturdays?

The following services will continue to operate on Saturdays:

• First-class letters
• Parcels
• Tracked deliveries
• Special Delivery items

This is because the Universal Service Obligation still requires Royal Mail to provide first-class deliveries from Monday to Saturday.

Although second-class post would no longer arrive on Saturdays, Royal Mail must still ensure that these letters reach you within three working days.

When Will Royal Mail Stop Delivering Second-Class Letters on Saturdays?

The changes are expected to be fully implemented by December 2026. Royal Mail originally began piloting the new model in 35 delivery offices, with further expansion delayed because of disagreements with the CWU.

Now that an agreement has been reached, the next phase will cover 240 additional delivery offices before the reforms are introduced nationwide.

The expected timeline is:

• Summer 2026: Wider rollout begins in selected areas
• Autumn 2026: More delivery offices move to the new system
• December 2026: Nationwide implementation across all Royal Mail offices

The first changes could begin from late July, depending on how quickly local delivery offices adopt the new schedule.

How Will Royal Mail’s New Delivery Schedule Work?

Under the new model, second-class letters would be delivered every other weekday rather than six days a week. Royal Mail says this should still allow most second-class items to arrive within the current three-working-day target.

For example, a letter posted on Friday could be delivered on Monday or Tuesday instead of Saturday. Likewise, a second-class item sent on Thursday may not arrive until Monday if there is no Saturday round in your area.

For people who need guaranteed Saturday delivery, Royal Mail recommends upgrading to first-class, tracked or Special Delivery services.

Why Has Ofcom Approved These Royal Mail Delivery Changes?

Ofcom has approved Royal Mail’s proposed changes because it believes the current six-day delivery model for all letters is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.

With far fewer people sending letters than in the past and parcel volumes continuing to grow, the regulator has accepted that Royal Mail needs greater flexibility if it is to maintain a nationwide postal service.

However, Ofcom has not given Royal Mail permission to remove Saturday deliveries entirely. Instead, the regulator has only agreed to changes affecting second-class letters, while keeping legal protections in place for first-class post and essential services.

What Is the Universal Service Obligation?

The Universal Service Obligation, often shortened to USO, is the legal requirement that Royal Mail must deliver post across the UK at a standard price and frequency.

At present, the USO requires:

• First-class letters to be delivered Monday to Saturday
• Second-class letters to arrive within three working days
• Postal services to be available across the whole UK

Ofcom decided that Royal Mail could reduce second-class Saturday deliveries because the law only guarantees the delivery target, not the exact day of delivery.

Why Did Ofcom Agree to the Reform?

Ofcom believes that reducing Saturday second-class rounds could help Royal Mail remain financially viable. The regulator has accepted that fewer people are sending letters, making the traditional six-day service more difficult to maintain.

However, Ofcom has also warned Royal Mail that it must continue to meet delivery targets and improve customer service.

An Ofcom spokesperson said:

“Any reform must still protect customers and ensure second-class mail continues to arrive within the required timeframe.”

How Could Royal Mail Scrapping Saturday Service Affect You?

The biggest impact will be on people who rely on second-class letters for important communication. You may notice slower deliveries for appointment letters, bills, bank statements and business mail.

There is particular concern about NHS and hospital correspondence. During a recent Commons committee session, CWU representatives claimed that postal workers had been told to prioritise parcels over medical letters.

One long-time Royal Mail customer from South London, Margaret Evans, who has used second-class post for more than 30 years, said:

“I usually receive my hospital appointments on a Saturday. If that stops, I worry I could miss important information if there are further delays.”

For businesses, the change could create additional challenges. Companies that send invoices, legal documents or customer letters through second-class post may need to post earlier or switch to first-class services.

What Does the CWU Agreement Mean for Royal Mail Workers?

The agreement between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union is about more than just changing Saturday deliveries.

Alongside the planned reforms to second-class post, Royal Mail has agreed to a package of pay rises, contract improvements and new working arrangements for thousands of employees.

The deal is designed to secure support from postal workers while helping Royal Mail move ahead with its wider delivery changes.

What Pay Rise and Contract Changes Have Been Agreed?

The agreement between Royal Mail and the CWU includes several changes for staff alongside the delivery reforms.

Workers who joined Royal Mail on or after 1 December 2022 will receive a 4.75% pay rise. Employees on older contracts will receive a 3% increase.

Royal Mail has also agreed to:

• Offer new workers contracts based on a 37-hour week
• Improve conditions for employees who joined after 2022
• Continue discussions with CWU members before final approval

The CWU has said members will now be given time to review the agreement before a final decision is made.

How Will Part-Time Workers Be Affected?

Around 6,000 part-time workers will have the option to increase their weekly hours. Royal Mail says this could help improve staffing levels and reduce pressure on local delivery offices.

The CWU has told members that the deal is not just about pay. The union believes that changing the USO is necessary if Royal Mail is to compete with other delivery companies in the future.

Are Stamp Prices Rising While Saturday Deliveries Are Being Cut?

The timing of these reforms has caused frustration because stamp prices have already increased in 2026. Earlier this month, Royal Mail raised the price of a first-class stamp to £1.80, while a second-class stamp increased to 91p.

Many customers are questioning why they are paying more while receiving fewer delivery days.

The table below shows the latest stamp prices:

For households already facing rising costs, the combination of higher prices and reduced Saturday service could prove unpopular.

What Should You Do If You Still Need Saturday Postal Deliveries?

If you still need post to arrive on a Saturday, the safest option is to use a service that Royal Mail will continue to deliver six days a week.

You should consider switching to first-class or tracked delivery if:

• The item is urgent
• You need guaranteed weekend delivery
• The letter contains legal or medical documents
• Your business depends on customers receiving post quickly

Businesses may also need to change their mailing schedules. Sending letters a day earlier could help avoid delivery delays once the new system begins.

Conclusion

Royal Mail is not ending Saturday deliveries entirely. Instead, it plans to stop delivering second-class letters on Saturdays while keeping first-class post, parcels and tracked items running six days a week.

The change is expected to be rolled out across the UK by December 2026 following an agreement with the CWU and approval from Ofcom. Royal Mail believes the move will make the postal service more sustainable, but many households and businesses are likely to feel the impact.

If you rely on second-class mail, it may be worth planning ahead now and considering faster alternatives when Saturday delivery matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Royal Mail still deliver parcels on Saturdays in 2026?

Yes. Parcels, tracked items and Special Delivery services are all expected to continue on Saturdays.

Will first-class letters still arrive on Saturdays?

Yes. First-class letters will still be delivered Monday to Saturday under the Universal Service Obligation.

Why is Royal Mail removing second-class Saturday deliveries?

Royal Mail says it needs to reduce costs and improve reliability because fewer people now send letters.

When will the new delivery changes begin?

The wider rollout is expected to begin during summer 2026, with full implementation by December.

Could important hospital letters still arrive on Saturdays?

Only if they are sent by first-class or another priority service. Second-class NHS letters may arrive later.

Will businesses be affected by the changes?

Yes. Businesses that rely on second-class post may need to send mail earlier or upgrade to first-class delivery.

Will second-class stamps still be valid after the changes?

Yes. Second-class stamps will remain valid, but the delivery schedule may be slower.

Could Royal Mail remove more delivery days in the future?

Possibly. If letter volumes continue to fall, Royal Mail may push for further changes to the postal service.