The Royal Mail has said that it will have to raise prices for customers and cut costs amid the growing cost of living crisis.
After it was confirmed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) yesterday that UK inflation has now risen to 9% – which is the highest the figure has been for the last 40 years – with prices hiked across a broad range of everyday goods and services during April, the Royal Mail has issued a statement this morning warning that it sees “significant headwinds” from rising costs – including wages, energy, and fuel.
In an attempt to bolster its position, the postal and courier service revealed that it aimed to make cost savings of £350 million over the course of its current financial year.
Today’s statement on price rises comes after the group already notably hiked the cost of posting letters by an average of around 7%, and parcel prices by an average of about 4% – which took the cost of a first-class stamp to 95p, and a second-class stamp to 68p.
But the Royal Mail says it still sees numerous threats from rising costs ahead, and claimed that it is now at a “crossroads”.
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The Royal Mail has said that it will have to raise prices for customers and cut costs / Credit: Geograph | Royal Mail
Explaining the current situation in its most-recent results statement, the Royal Mail said: “We are now at a crossroads.
“We need to deliver the benefits from change more quickly to deliver sustainable growth. We have made significant operational change already, but this needs to translate into real efficiency savings which deliver a financial benefit next year and beyond.
“Delivery of our existing agreements and the successful transition into the next agreements, as part of the current negotiations with the CWU, will be key to future profitable growth. We have made a substantial pay offer to our people which will enable the change we need to remain competitive, grow and secure their jobs for the future.
“Our market is changing quickly, and agility in our response is key.”
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The UK’s largest postal and courier service claimed it’s now at a “crossroads” / Credit: Royal Mail
Speaking more on the need to raise prices and cut costs going forward, Simon Thompson – Chief Executive at the Royal Mail – added: “As we emerge from the pandemic, the need to accelerate the transformation of our business, particularly in delivery, has become more urgent.
“Our future is as a parcels business, so we need to adapt old ways of working designed for letters and do it much more quickly to a world increasingly dominated by parcels.”
He added: “Our focus now is to work at pace with our people and our trade unions to reinvent this British icon for the next generations, so that we can give our customers what they want, grow our business sustainably and deliver long-term job security for our great team.
Multi-million pound rail upgrades to cancel trains on major Manchester lines this month
Emily Sergeant
Multi-million pound railway upgrades will take place in Greater Manchester from this weekend.
In a bid to enhance future journeys for both passengers and freight as part of its ongoing summer improvement projects, Network Rail has announced that it will be carrying out major track upgrades in two locations travelling in and out of Manchester this summer.
Starting from this weekend (8-9 August) and then again the following weekend on 15-16 August, a railway junction will be replaced near Guide Bridge, and while the work takes place, no trains will be able to run on the Glossop/Hadfield or Rose Hill Marple lines in or out of Manchester Piccadilly station over both weekends.
Rail replacement buses are planned to keep passengers on the move – but people advised to plan ahead and allow ‘extra time’ for their journeys.
A multi-million pound rail upgrade programme is set to cancel trains on major Manchester lines this month / Credit: Network Rail
The second major scheme will see a midweek closure of the line between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale when engineers return to install a new railway turnback.
While this is being carried out, no trains will run from Monday 10 August until the morning of Saturday 15 August, and once again rail replacement buses are planned to serve the route instead.
Network Rail is thanking passengers in advance for their cooperation.
“We know there’s never an ideal time to shut the railway, so I’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience while we carry out these essential railway improvements next week,” commented Lorna Samways, who is a senior sponsor at Network Rail.
“Both projects are major investments to improve rail journeys for passengers and freight in future.
“I’d advise passengers planning to travel between 8-16 August to check National Rail Enquiries so they know exactly what to expect from their journey.”
Featured Image – Network Rail
News
A new dedicated Macmillan Cancer Support centre has opened at Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport
Danny Jones
In great news not only for Stockport locals but many more around the region, a brand-new cancer research support centre backed by Macmillan has opened at Stepping Hill Hospital.
Hoping to help Stopfordians, as well as those living in the High Peak region of Derbyshire and other Greater Manchester locals, the dedicated facility officially opened last week.
Operating on a walk-in-only basis, not only will there be no appointments necessary, but it will also be open five days a week.
Based at the back of the Medical and Surgical Building entrance and to the rear of Outpatients Department C at Stepping Hill, further signposting is already helping direct people to the site.
Macmillan Cancer Support Centre Manager, Joe WiechaVarious resources and reading materials are available
As well as aiming to provide a comforting space and alternative to both the hospital and/or the usual home/care settings for patients, visitors and staff alike, it is set to offer a regular programme of events and activities moving forward, including
Future plans for the centre will include a programme of events and activities, including Macmillan’s long-running and popular coffee mornings, wellbeing sessions, visits from partner organisations like Citizens Advice and more.
The NHS, Stepping Hill and the Macmillan organisation as a whole also intend to expand beyond the hospital itself in the coming years.
Delivering a minimum of six hours of support every weekday, it will no doubt offer an invaluable outlet and service to the borough and beyond.
Speaking on the opening, Joe Wiecha – the centre manager heading up the space – said in a statement: “It’s been fantastic for the centre to finally open and welcome our very first visitors. Whoever you are, and whatever your experience of cancer, you will always receive a warm welcome at our centre.”
“Whether you’re living with cancer, supporting a family member or friend, or adjusting to life beyond treatment, our team is here to listen, support you, and help you access the information, services, and guidance you need.”
Once again, Macmillan Support Centre Stepping Hill is open from 10am-4pm from Monday-Friday, and can be contacted via email or over the phone at 0161 419 4582.
Emily Sergeant -
19th May 2022 
