OFCOM faced criticism yesterday for keeping the Communication Workers Union (CWU) in the dark before announcing that Royal Mail could be allowed to end the delivery of second-class letters on Saturdays.

The regulator, which is also investigating whether to permit second-class deliveries to be made on alternate weekdays, said the proposed changes the universal service obligation (USO) mandate would help cut costs for Royal Mail.

“If we decide to propose changes to the universal service next year, we want to make sure we achieve the best outcome for consumers,” said Ofcom group director for networks and communications Lindsey Fussell.