A series of sweeping Royal Mail changes have been confirmed, with second class letters set to be delivered on alternate days only, as part of reforms aimed at modernising the UK’s postal service.
Additionally, standard bulk business letters, used for items such as bills and statements, will shift to a three-day delivery target, Royal Mail confirmed.
First class mail will continue to be delivered six days a week, Monday through Saturday.
Royal Mail has begun distributing leaflets to households outlining the changes, which are expected to be rolled out across all 1,200 delivery units by the close of the year.
Royal Mail will now aim to deliver 90% of first class letters the following day, reduced from 93% previously.
For second class mail, the target falls to 95% delivered within three days, down from 98.5%.
Awaiting an important letter or parcel can prove frustrating, particularly if you narrowly miss a delivery due to being out, or failing to reach the door in time.
Royal Mail uses a specific code — P739 — to denote a failed delivery attempt.
Should you receive a P739 card, you will be required to collect the item from the sorting office yourself, which may mean waiting until the following day depending on when you discover the card. In certain circumstances, however, arranging a redelivery may be possible.
Royal Mail has witnessed letter revenue plummet from £6.9 billion in 2008 to £3.7 billion.
The company estimates the revised delivery model could generate savings of between £250 million and £425 million annually.