RE: ROYAL MAIL ALLOWANCE REVIEW
Further to LTB 122 dated 20th February 2015, branches will be aware Royal Mail conducted an allowance review during the latter part of 2014. The review looked at the allowance(s) members’ actually received against allowances they were entitled to.
In February 2015, the union was informed the work had been completed and there were over 2,600 cases where members received allowances they were not entitled to.
Royal Mail was going to commence the recovery of these allowances using the overpayment procedure. Negotiations took place in an attempt to ensure that any recovery of overpayment was performed within an orderly and logical process, ensuring our members fully understand and have the opportunity to challenge any alleged overpayment.
Due to several obstacles put in the way during the negotiations, it was proving difficult to reach agreement. However, whilst this has taken longer than originally anticipated, a process has now been agreed which is in line with the longstanding overpayment payment policy and ensures our members have the opportunity to:-
Fully understand how the overpayment occurred and have a breakdown of any alleged overpayment.
Comment on and challenge the overpayment.
Have their local representative present at discussions.
Refer the overpayment for national review with reference to the relevant collective agreement, if after discussion, any alleged overpayment (or part thereof) is still disputed.
Have their personal financial circumstances taken into account in agreeing any repayment plan.
I would like to thank Carl Maden who led the negotiations and will continue to lead the process on behalf of the DGS (P) Department going forward, including the national review.
A copy of the agreed process and joint statement are attached to this LTB.
Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the DGS (P) Department.
Yours sincerely
Ray Ellis,
A/Deputy General Secretary (P)
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 
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