Royal Mail considers scrapping residential morning deliveries

Consignia – the corporate name of the Royal Mail - is considering cutbacks aimed at saving around £1 billion a year in operating costs - which could see morning postal deliveries replaced by an afternoon delivery instead.

The move would see business post being handled exclusively in the morning while residential deliveries would be left until later in the day.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has spoken out against the idea, warning that for many people who work from home, the delayed deliveries would, in effect, cripple their business.

“In business, its vitally important to get your post before 10am because crucial documents like cheques and contracts arrive by mail,” explained FSB spokesperson Diane Rayner.

However, Consignia hit back, stating that most people would not find any inconvenience in a later time of delivery, as most people have already left their homes by the time the morning mail round is made.

“Lifestyles have changed from 30 years ago when the current delivery system was brought in,” said a spokesperson, “Most people are out of the house by 8am and so it does not really matter to them whether their post arrives at 9am or 3pm.”

Other changes to delivery services currently under consideration are the introduction of evening deliveries or methods by which customers can collect their mail themselves. (CL)