how long does 2nd class post take

The 2nd class post with Royal Mail usually takes 2 to 3 working days for delivery nationwide. However, starting from mid-2025, there have been changes where 2nd class letters may only be delivered on alternate weekdays (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday or Tuesday and Thursday) in a two-week cycle, and no deliveries on Saturdays for 2nd class mail. Despite this, Royal Mail aims to deliver 95% of second-class mail within three working days. The target is delivery within three days of collection, with a backstop to ensure 99% is delivered no more than two days later than that. The 2nd class postage is suitable for non-urgent mail and includes compensation cover up to £20. 1st class post still delivers next day including Saturdays, but 2nd class post has lower priority and costs less.