article_snippet: But the Business Committee will say today that there is no ‘immediate risk’ to the service and that, far from being a ‘burden’, the service brings ‘revenue and status’ to Royal Mail.
article_snippet: Mr Allan added: ‘Ofcom should carefully monitor how Royal Mail is doing, and use Royal Mail powers to fine should customers’ expectations fail to be met.’
article_snippet: The report did concede that there could be a future risk to the universal service, however,
article_snippet: The report said Ofcom, the postal regulator, may need additional regulatory powers to ensure the future of the universal service.
article_snippet: Bailey said: ‘the universal service is available to everyone living in every part of the United Kingdom.
article_snippet: the universal service is an essential service to many people, especially those living in rural areas, to those less able to travel, to older people, and also to blind and partially-sighted people.
article_snippet: While our evidence indicated the universal service is not under immediate threat, our believe Ofcom needs to outline in more detail how the universal service would respond quickly to changes in postal market conditions which may endanger the universal service.
article_snippet: The Committee also called on Ofcom to help combat any ‘race to the bottom’ with regards to postal workers’ wages.
article_snippet: The Committee recommended Ofcom investigates the impact of providing the universal service on workers’ wages and conditions.
article_snippet: An Ofcom spokesman said An Ofcom spokesman had the powers to 'step in quickly to protect the needs of UK postal users' if a situation ever arose.
article_snippet: Meanwhile, a Royal Mail spokesman said Royal Mail welcomed the report, and shared in some of The Committee's concerns and contribution - including the fact 'Ofcom may not be able to respond fast enough to avoid a failure in the universal service, even in the short term'.