Guernsey and Jersey's mail currently arrives via a dedicated daily flight. However, the Royal Mail argues that, due to declining volumes of letters, using a ferry instead would offer a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.  

"Royal Mail keeps its operations under regular review. As part of this, Royal Mail and Jersey Post and Isle of Man Post Office are exploring the implications of changing from a flight to a ferry... This is in the context of declining letter volumes and would provide an opportunity to jointly reduce costs, while demonstrating our commitment to minimising our impact on the environment," the consultation document read. 

It added: "This is also in line with Royal Mail's environmental plan, Steps to Zero, which looks to reduce reliance on flights as the company works towards its 2040 net zero target. It would result in a two-day service for sending and receiving mail from the UK." 

Also proposed is a change in the definition of 'Due Date' in the Channel Islands to allow for additional working days for sending and receiving mail. 

The Royal Mail is bound by Ofcom regulations to offer a next-day delivery service. This means that, for customers who pay for First Class delivery, the 'Due Date' for a package sent is the following working day from the date of posting. For customers who pay Second Class, the 'Due Date' is the third working day following the date of posting.  

Guernsey and Jersey are not bound by Ofcom regulations but they have nonetheless historically had the same 'Due Dates' as the UK.  

However, the Royal Mail now wishes to change these to allow for an extra working day for packages to arrive in the Channel Islands. 

Royal Mail said that this change "would allow us to continue to offer a reliable service" to the island, without being bound by Ofcom regulations.  

The consultation will be open until 2 June. Any changes will take effect on 3 August. You can view the consultation document HERE.