Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) have agreed to pause the wider roll-out of the new USO delivery model until next year, keeping the current pilot sites in place.
At present, 35 delivery offices are testing the revised framework, which came into effect on 28 July 2025. As we wrote about at the time, under the new rules, First Class post continues to be delivered six days a week, while Second Class post moves to a five-day alternating schedule excluding Saturdays.
Feedback from the pilot sites has already highlighted potential challenges. These include maintaining service during high-volume periods such as Christmas, coping with adverse weather conditions, and the rigidity of the model at peak times. With the busiest season approaching, both Royal Mail’s owners, EP Group and the CWU agreed that holding off on further roll-out would allow for more preparation and further negotiation.
Ofcom, which regulates postal services, has confirmed it will monitor the roll-out closely. The regulator previously estimated it could take 18–24 months for full implementation across the Royal Mail network.
So for you, the pause means delivery patterns remain unchanged for now, but the long-term shape of the service is still being negotiated. We’ll keep you informed!
