Proposals to cut second class delivery are “too drastic”, say small firms

Responding to Royal Mail’s response to the Ofcom consultation, Federation of Small Businesses Policy Chair Tina McKenzie, said: “Taking the axe to daily deliveries for second class would be a drastic cut which would hit the many small businesses which rely on it, and will in all probability leave some with no choice but to fork out for first class.

“However, Royal Mail’s concession to retain a six-day-a-week service for first class letters is a good step in the right direction, compared to its original dire proposal – voiced via Ofcom - to torpedo daily deliveries altogether. The Government rightfully said it was committed to keeping the six-day service as it is, and that is something that would have required legislation to change.

“We do recognise that savings need to be made, therefore the idea that bulk business mail, like bills and statements, will arrive within three working days instead of two is a difficult but sensible way to make savings without causing an enormous amount of disruption.

“It’s good that Royal Mail has listened to us on some parts of its consultation response. We hope that Ofcom will reflect on the detrimental impact of diminishing six-day-a-week deliveries, and remind itself that its role is to protect consumers rather than be a cheerleader for service cuts by an organisation it’s supposed to regulate.”