A trial date is confirmed for the £1bn class action case brought against International Distribution Services (IDS), the parent company of Royal Mail. Following a Case Management Conference held on 18 December 2025, the Competition Appeal Tribunal has ruled that the case will proceed to a six-week trial starting in April 2028. The claim was filed by Bulk Mail Claim Limited on behalf of an estimated 290,000 bulk mail customers, including businesses and charities. The Tribunal granted approval for the case to proceed in March this year.

At the heart of the action is an allegation that Royal Mail unlawfully restricted competition in the UK bulk mail delivery market from 2014 onwards, resulting in higher prices for customers. The case follows an Ofcom decision in August 2018, which concluded that Royal Mail abused its dominant position by introducing discriminatory pricing through Contract Change Notices issued on 10 January 2014. Ofcom found that these pricing changes penalised customers and operators that sought to compete with Royal Mail in bulk mail delivery services, contrary to both UK and EU competition law.

Andrew Wanambwa, partner at Lewis Silkin and representative for Bulk Mail Claim Limited, said the confirmation of the trial date provides a clear path forward for affected customers. He noted that bulk mail users who purchased services between 10 January 2014 and 29 May 2024 should be encouraged that the latest milestone brings potential redress closer.

The claim alleges that Royal Mail’s conduct prevented effective competition in the bulk mail delivery market and led to overcharging of end customers for bulk mail retail services. The purpose of the action is to secure compensation for losses suffered as a result of this alleged misconduct.

Royal Mail has previously rejected the claim, stating that it believes the case is without merit and that it will defend the action robustly. The case proceeds against IDS, formerly Royal Mail Plc, despite the sale of International Distribution Services to Czech investor Daniel Křetínský, which was approved earlier this year in a £3.6bn transaction.