A storm of fury has gripped the nation as the Royal Mail faces seismic changes to its daily post services, with the potential abolition of Saturday deliveries among the bombshell plans on the table.

Reports suggest that a service agreement mandating deliveries on six days a week could be discarded, and the cost of stamps may see a significant hike. Ofcom, the regulator, is poised to release a document this Wednesday outlining a series of far-reaching reforms for the Royal Mail, including potential modifications to first and second-class delivery targets and an increase in stamp prices.

Outraged Brits have taken to Twitter to vent their frustrations at the proposed changes. Concerns have been raised about the impact on essential services like the NHS, with questions about delays in sending critical letters and appointments. Some are questioning the potential repercussions for those who receive bills through postal invoices, and the broader impact on bank holidays.

One disgruntled Twitter user expressed their dissatisfaction, stating, “Not only have the Royal Mail screwed their own staff, now they might screw the general public too. We already see delayed mail from Royal Mail, now there’s a proposal for us to lose a delivery day, move delivery targets even further away, whilst raising the price for stamps and parcels.”

Privatised in 2013 by the coalition government, Royal Mail has faced numerous challenges, including industrial disputes and criticisms of its performance by MPs. In November, it incurred a £5.6 million fine from Ofcom for falling short of first- and second-class delivery targets during the 2022-23 financial year.

In a letter to MPs this week, Martin Seidenberg, the CEO of Royal Mail’s parent company, International Distributions Services (IDS), highlighted the difficulty of delivering the current Universal Service requirements in a financially sustainable way. He discussed potential strategies to address the challenges, such as significantly increasing prices, seeking a government subsidy, or reforming the Universal Service to better align with present customer needs and market realities.

Seidenberg emphasised the urgency of action, stating that delays in reform create increased risks for the long-term sustainability of the Universal Service and Royal Mail itself. The letter underscored the need for transformation to meet the demands of the future and provide enhanced service standards that align with contemporary customer expectations.