The Royal Mail is undergoing huge change as it adapts its business to ensure that is survives in the 21st century. As discussed at our Conference, the GCA is working closely with the Royal Mail and also reaching out to the industry to ensure that our voice is heard.
This week it announced a price rise from January 2021 – First Class stamp prices are increasing by 9p to 85p, whereas Second Class stamps are increasing by just 1p to 66p, click here for full details.
Also recently published, Ofcom’s User Needs Review contains its assessment of Royal Mail’s operational performance and future regulation, plus the Royal Mail’s official response to this.
In summary the main change is the dropping of the Saturday delivery/collection, which will save the Royal Mail around £200m and allow them to modernise their systems. The ‘one price goes anywhere’ mail system continues, as does next day delivery, so the major change is six days a week delivery/collection goes to five.
It’s now for Government to consider Ofcom’s Review and what this means for Royal Mail’s Universal Service Obligation.
How does this impact GCA Members? We need your feedback
We have had assurances from Royal Mail that they appreciate the GCA’s input into this review and value our close working relationship and want it to continue. The Council will discuss the latest announcements at our meeting on 15th December and respond formally on behalf of the industry.
Please email Amanda on hello@gca.cards if you would like to feedback comments on the impact of these changes on your business, or raise points for the Council to consider.
Latest Royal Mail Research on Christmas Card sending
On a more Christmassy note the Royal Mail published some research on 25th November said that 11% UK adults plan to send up to ten more Christmas cards this year than usual, and 15% of 18-24 year olds will be sending more Christmas cards this year, click here to see the full research. Great news for us all in the card industry and the Royal Mail!
