The challenge

Thousands of businesses and organisations rely on bulk mail - which includes items such as bank statements, utility company bills and charity fundraising appeals – to communicate with their customers and other target audiences. In 2018, an Ofcom investigation found that Royal Mail had abused its dominant position in the market for bulk mail delivery services in the UK, by attempting to introduce prices that discriminated against any party that sought to roll out bulk mail delivery services that were in competition with Royal Mail, contrary to both EU and UK competition law.

Our approach

Acting on behalf of Bulk Mail Claim Limited, in June 2024 we filed a £878m collective action claim against International Distribution Services Limited (formerly Royal Mail plc). The claim alleges that Royal Mail’s actions prevented competition for bulk mail delivery services, leading to higher prices. The claim is being brought on behalf of all persons who purchased or paid for relevant bulk mail services at any time after 10 January 2014 - an estimated 290,000 customers.

The outcome

If successful, the claim will lead to an award of damages compensating customers for losses resulting from Royal Mail’s breach of competition law. The aim is to compensate bulk mail customers - including NHS Trusts, charities and local authorities - who were overcharged.