Postal regulator Ofcom has agreed to allow Royal Mail not to fulfil its Universal Service Obligation (USO) when Boxing Day (26th of December) falls on a Saturday. Royal Mail will no longer collect or deliver mail or parcels in this instance.

The derogation to the USO used to be in effect in the 1980’s but after the Postal Services Act 2000 this was removed. It was offered as a once off in 2009 by Ofcom’s predecessor, Postcomm.

Ofcom had issued a consultation in late July to ask stakeholders their views as to how the derogation to the USO may affect them should no deliveries arrive when the 26th December falls on a Saturday. The results from the eleven respondents were positive.

The direction will be in place until further notice.