The post regulator, Ofcom, has confirmed that from 28 July, Royal Mail will deliver second class letters on alternate weekdays Monday to Friday, with delivery targets remaining at within three working days of collection.

The delivery dates will alternate over a two-week period. There will be no Saturday second class deliveries, but first class post will still be delivered six days a week.

As part of the changes, standard bulk business letters will move to a three-day delivery aim, aligned with second class.

Under the new plan, a letter posted second class on a Monday would be delivered on Thursday, while a Friday letter would arrive the following Wednesday.