For over two years UK Mail has been trying to negotiate the terms by which it could use Royal Mail’s postmen and women to deliver its mail.
On Friday 19 December the postal regulator, Postcomm, was due to publish its determination on the terms by which UK Mail could access the Royal Mail’s delivery system. That determination would have helped UK Mail but, most importantly, also every other potential competitor wanting access. It is a surprise therefore to learn that just days before its publication, Royal Mail have decided to strike a private deal with UK Mail which they were unable to do two years ago.
Peter Carr, Chairman of Postwatch, commenting on the access announcement said, “It is good news that UK Mail and Royal Mail have reached an outline agreement – we hope that this will result in a full agreement by the end of January.
“However, the Regulator was due to announce a decision in just two days time (Friday 19 December) and this would set a standard for other companies wishing to compete in the UK postal market. It is important that Postcomm publishes this information as planned so that other operators can proceed now to make decisions on market entry. More than one competitor is needed to provide choice to customers.”
