Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash (FY21 010) – Yard Safety – Reversing Tractor Unit and Trailer – Serious Injuries Accident:

(Also see RMG SHE Safety Flash FY20 012 – ‘Use of walkways in Yards’)

Audience:

All Royal Mail Group drivers who drive and operate HGVs, tractor units and trailers. All employees who access a yard.

Overview and Background:

Royal Mail Group Safety Health and Environment Group have issued ‘Safety Flash’, number FY21 010, (copy attached), which gives a summary of a recent RIDDOR serious injury accident, involving bone fractures. The SHE ‘Safety Flash’ is to form the basis of a Unit Briefing/Communication to ALL ROYAL MAIL DRIVERS operating large vehicles and all staff who access yards, in order to raise awareness of the potential risk of similar incidents which could cause a serious injury accident or death.

Issue: 

The ‘mandatory’ yard safety rules were not followed by the injured agency driver concerned.

Description of the Incident:

The incident occurred at a Royal Mail Distribution Centre site when an agency driver reversed a motive/tractor unit and trailer onto a loading bay, then exited the cab of his vehicle and then stood in the adjacent loading bay area, in the path of another reversing tractor unit and trailer with his back to the oncoming vehicle, beyond the sight of the driver, whereby he was struck and run over by the trailer. The injured driver should not have dwelt in the loading bay area and should have moved to a safe pedestrian walkway area after exiting his cab.

Impact and Effect:

Injuries from reversing LGV motive units and trailers can result in life-changing or fatal injuries and can expose Royal Mail and drivers to enforcement action/prosecution by the HSE.

Key Management Activities, Messages to Staff Learning Points:

• Communicate and display the SHE Safety Flash on the SHE notice board.
• Ensure yard safety controls are implemented, and safe behaviours enforced and promoted.
• Ensure a suitable and sufficient Yard Risk Assessment is completed and in place.
• Ensure the Yard Rules are in place, effective and communicated and briefed to all relevant drivers and staff including agency staff.
• Consider how rules and instructions are communicated to visiting drivers.
• Ensure pedestrian routes and designated areas are clearly identified.
• Ensure all staff are trained in yard safety (see Content on Demand).
• Complete First-Class Safety Conversations (SMATs) to promote good behaviours.

Attachment:

• Copy of RMG SHE Safety Flash FY21 010 – Yard Risks and Safety.

Conclusion – ASR Action

Would all CWU Area Health and Safety Reps please note and communicate the content of the Safety Flash, supporting the key messages, and reminding members of the importance of looking after their own safety when in yards where there is vehicle traffic which presents hazards and risks.

By law, pedestrians or vehicles must be able to use a traffic route without causing danger to the health or safety of people. However, no matter how well-designed and maintained a site is with suitable segregation of vehicles and people through separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic routes, in order to make workplace transport accidents less likely – it is only effective if the workforce complies with the rules and doesn’t ignore designated pedestrian routes, thoughtlessly placing themselves in mortal danger.

Health and Safety Executive workplace transport safety guidance states that where complete segregation is not possible, there is a need to have clearly marked pedestrian and vehicle traffic routes, using measures such as barriers and signs. There should be separate entrances and exits for vehicles and pedestrians, and vision panels should be installed on doors that open onto vehicle traffic routes. Where pedestrian and vehicle traffic routes cross, they should be clearly marked using measures such as dropped kerbs, barriers, deterrent paving etc., to help direct pedestrians to the appropriate crossing points.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 349/21 – Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash (FY21 010) – Yard Safety – Reversing Tractor Unit and Trailer – Serious Injuries Accident

SHE Flash FY21 010 Yard Safety

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High Blood Pressure Awareness Campaign – ‘Know Your Numbers! Week 2021’ – 6-12 September 2021

Blood Pressure UK – Know Your Numbers Week 2021 – ‘The Silent Killer’

This year Blood Pressure UK (The Blood Pressure Association) charity are launching their campaign and asking the nation “Do you know your risks of high blood pressure numbers?” ‘Know Your Numbers!’ raises awareness of high blood pressure, encouraging all UK adults to get a blood pressure check.

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as the silent killer. The only way to know you have it is to have a check. Therefore, the charity, supported by CWU want to encourage ALL members of the union and their family members to check their blood pressure, so if detected, it can be easily treated thereby reducing your risk of a stroke or heart disease.

‘Know your Numbers Week’ is the UK’s biggest and most far reaching blood pressure testing event and awareness week. Each year, hundreds of ‘Pressure Stations’ offer free blood pressure checks across the UK, enabling thousands of people to get a free blood pressure check. It encourages adults across the UK to know their blood pressure numbers and take the necessary action to reach and maintain a healthy blood pressure.

You can find out more about ‘Know Your Numbers!’ via the charity’s website and contact details below or in the attached information and resources. ‘Know Your Numbers’ is the nation’s biggest blood pressure testing event.

High Blood Pressure In The UK

High blood pressure is the biggest known cause of disability and premature death in the UK through stroke, heart attack and heart disease. One in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure and every day 350 people have a preventable stroke or heart attack caused by the condition.

About High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure – also known as raised blood pressure or hypertension – increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can also cause blindness, irregularities of the heartbeat and heart failure. The risk of developing these complications is higher in the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes. One in three adults worldwide has high blood pressure. The proportion increases with age, from 1 in 10 people in their 20s and 30s to 5 in 10 people in their 50s. Prevalence of high blood pressure is highest in some low-income countries in Africa, with over 40% of adults in many African countries thought to be affected.

However, high blood pressure is both preventable and treatable. In some developed countries, prevention and treatment of the condition, together with other cardiovascular risk factors, has brought about a reduction in deaths from heart disease. The risk of developing high blood pressure can be reduced by:

• reducing salt intake;
• eating a balanced diet;
• avoiding harmful use of alcohol;
• taking regular physical activity;
• maintaining a healthy body weight; and
• avoiding tobacco use.

The Statistics:

• 5 million
  1.5 million people have had a free blood pressure check during previous ‘Know Your Numbers Weeks’, the UK’s biggest blood pressure testing and awareness event.
• 120/80
  An ideal blood pressure is under 120/80mmHg. Do you Know Your Numbers?
• 6 million
  6 million people in the UK have high blood pressure and don’t know it. It could be you!
• 350
  Every day in the UK, 350 people have a stroke or heart attack that could have been prevented. So get your blood pressure checked!

The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department fully supports Blood Pressure UK’s mission that every adult in the UK should know their blood pressure numbers in the same way they know their height and weight. When you Know Your Numbers! you can take steps to look after your blood pressure and lead a long and healthy life.

Campaign Goals: 

• Greater awareness
• Healthy behaviours
• Improved detection

Blood Pressure UK (The Blood Pressure Association) Charity

Is the UK’s leading blood pressure charity – lowering blood pressure to prevent stroke and heart attack since 2000. High blood pressure can be treated and prevented and the charity is there to help.

Attached for your information are two information leaflets from the Blood Pressure Association (Blood Pressure UK):

• Introducing high blood pressure booklet
• High Blood Pressure: A practical guide leaflet

Further Information:

Blood Pressure UK
Wolfson Institute
Charterhouse Square
London
EC1M 6BQ

Phone:

General Enquiries: 020 7882 6255
Helpline: 020 7882 6218
Email: info@bloodpressureuk.org
Website: http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/

Membership

Over 90% of Blood Pressure Association members say that being a member of Blood Pressure UK helps them to manage and reduce their blood pressure. People can join to help manage their blood pressure. Membership costs just £2.00 a month (or £24.00 a year), and members get:

• Three issues of BPUK members’ magazinePositive Pressure
• A range of free booklets and information sheets
• A bi-monthly email newsletter,’ePositive Pressure’
• PLUS – the booklet ‘A-Z of blood pressure’

The objective of ‘Know Your Numbers Week’ and the ongoing aim of Blood Pressure UK is to reduce heart attacks and strokes. Specific objectives of the campaign are:

• to raise awareness of the causes and consequences of high blood pressure;
• to provide information on how to prevent high blood pressure and related complications;
• to encourage adults to check their blood pressure and to follow the advice of health-care professionals;
• to encourage self-care to prevent high blood pressure;
• to create and enable healthy behaviours.

Blood Pressure UK is the nation’s only charity dedicated to lowering the nation’s blood pressure to prevent stroke and heart disease. For further information on Blood Pressure UK’s ‘Know Your Numbers Week’ visit: http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/know-your-numbers/know-your-numbers-week/

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 348/21 – High Blood Pressure Awareness Campaign – Know Your Numbers Week 2021 – 6-12 September 2021

GeneralBPLeaflet

Introducing High Blood Pressure Booklet

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Post Office Ltd – 2021 Free Flu Vaccination Voucher Scheme and On-Site Clinics:

Post Office Ltd have confirmed in discussions with the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department that as part of POL’s ongoing health promotion and employee support programme, POL will again, in 2021 be offering a ‘free flu voucher’ vaccination scheme for the workforce. This is the fourth year POL have offered a ‘free flu jab’ voucher scheme to CWU member grades. The POL flu voucher scheme offer to staff will open in early September on a date to be confirmed.

The 2021 POL Flu Voucher Scheme Summary

• The NHS are extending the groups eligible for a free flu vaccination this year.
• Digital flu vaccination vouchers made available for all employees redeemable in 4,000 outlets which is over double the amount available last year and will include pharmacies, supermarkets etc.
• On-site flu jab clinics are to be provided at Post Office Limited’s 6 largest Supply Chain Units – see details below.

Digital Vouchers

All POL employees wishing to take up the flu jab scheme offer will be given a link to access a digital voucher online which is redeemable at over 4,000 locations, e.g. pharmacies and supermarkets.

DMB and Supply Chain employees wishing to opt in to the scheme are being collated by their branch and unit managers and field and admin teams are able to request vouchers through the team form recently sent out via a ‘ONE Article’ or from the flu article on the POL hub.

Requests for ‘digital vouchers’ are to be submitted by the end of August.

The vouchers will then be made available very soon and should be redeemed and used as soon as possible.

Free NHS Vaccination

The NHS has extended the availability of free NHS provided flu jabs, expanding the groups eligible for a free vaccination. Eligible members are advised to take advantage of the NHS free flu jab scheme if they qualify under the below groups, as follows:

• Those aged 50 years and over.
• Those under 50 years old in clinically ‘at risk’ groups.
• Pregnant women and carers.
• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.

On-Site Flu Clinics In Post Office Ltd Supply Chain Largest Units

On-site flu jab clinics will be available in the six largest Supply Chain sites (see below) where a nurse will be on site to administer flu jabs and finalised dates will be confirmed with the sites directly in the very near future, once arrangements are finalised. These six units have been advised and over the next couple of weeks will be provided with further information and support.

1. Glasgow CC & CViT
2. Birmingham CC & CViT
3. London CC & CViT
4. Hemel Hempstead
5. Swindon Stores
6. Sheffield

Communications

Post Office Ltd have issued a communication this week to all employees and POL HQ have asked all Directly Managed Branch (DMB) Office Managers and Supply Chain (CViT) and Stores Managers to confirm numbers of staff wishing to take up the flu jab offer so as to ensure individuals receive a voucher code. The target return date is 31 August.

Communications will be aligned to the Government Flu Jab Scheme for this year as summarised above.

Further improvement has been made in both the NHS and POL schemes this year and hopefully this will encourage a greater take-up especially following the Coronavirus pandemic.

Considering the risk of flu and Covid-19 co-circulating this winter, we are encouraging members to have the flu jab to reduce their risk of getting flu, becoming unwell and passing it onto family, friends and work colleagues.

Having the flu vaccine is the best defence against the virus and increases people’s chance of having better health outcomes. It is advised to have the jab as early as possible before the flu virus becomes widespread in the autumn and winter months across the UK.

Attachment: POL Flu Jab Communication 18.08.21

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 347/21 – Post Office Ltd – 2021 Free Flu Vaccination Voucher Scheme and On-Site Clinics

Att: Free flu vaccinations for all colleagues in POL 2021

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Royal Mail Group – 2021 Free Flu Vaccination Voucher Scheme and On-Site Clinics:

LTB 341/21 published initial information regarding the further improved, Royal Mail Group 2021 ‘Free Flu Vaccination Voucher Scheme’ offer to all employees. This is the fourth year RMG have offered a ‘free flu jab’ scheme to CWU Members.

The 2021 RMG Flu Voucher Scheme Summary

• The NHS are extending the groups eligible for a free flu vaccination this year.
• Digital flu vaccination vouchers made available for all colleagues redeemable in 4,000 outlets which is over double the amount available last year and will include pharmacies, supermarkets etc.
• On-site flu jab clinics are to be provided at 110 of Royal Mail Group’s largest units (Royal Mail and Parcelforce etc.,) see details below.
• Agency staff will again be included this year.

Digital Vouchers

All RMG employees will receive a letter to home by 1 October 2021 which will include a link to access a digital voucher online.

Free NHS Vaccination

The NHS has extended the availability of free NHS provided flu jabs, expanding the groups eligible for a free vaccination. Eligible members are advised to take advantage of the NHS scheme if they qualify under the below groups, as follows:

• Those aged 50 years and over.
• Those under 50 years old in clinically ‘at risk’ groups.
• Pregnant women and carers.
• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.

On-Site Flu Clinics In Royal Mail And Parcelforce Largest Units

On-site flu clinics will be available in 110 Royal Mail Group sites. These are made up of the 90 largest sites plus 20 high impact units as identified by the RMG Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing. The units due to have an on-site flu clinic are being advised imminently and will be provided with further information and support from RMG Occupational Health HQ.

Note: The listed clinics are for the identified sites employees only and digital vouchers are available for all employees.

North Region – 52 SitesNorth/SouthSectorPC AreaLocation (Office)NorthCheshire and MerseysideCHChester Mail CentreNorthCheshire and MerseysideSYShrewsbury Mail CentreNorthCheshire and MerseysideWANorth West HubNorthCheshire and MerseysideWAWarrington DONorthCheshire and MerseysideWAWarrington Mail CentreNorthCheshire and MerseysideWNLeigh DONorthCheshire and MerseysideWNWigan DONorthEast and North ScotlandABAberdeen Mail CentreNorthEast and North ScotlandEHEdinburgh Mail CentreNorthEast Mids and PeterboroughCBCambridge DONorthEast Mids and PeterboroughDEDerby Mail CentreNorthEast Mids and PeterboroughDENottingham East Mids AirportNorthEast Mids and PeterboroughNGNottingham Mail CentreNorthEast Mids and PeterboroughPEPeterborough Mail CentreNorthNI and W of ScotlandBTBelfast South & Central DONorthNI and W of ScotlandBTNorthern Ireland Mail CentreNorthNI and W of ScotlandGGlasgow Mail CentreNorthNI and W of ScotlandMLScottish Distribution CentreNorthNorth East and CumbriaCACarlisle Mail CentreNorthNorth East and CumbriaNETyneside Mail CentreNorthNorth East and CumbriaSRContact Centre DoxfordNorthNorth East and CumbriaSRSunderland DONorthNorth East and CumbriaTSStockton DONorthNorth West EnglandBLBolton North DONorthNorth West EnglandFYBlackpool & Poulton DONorthNorth West EnglandMManchester Mail CentreNorthNorth West EnglandOLOldham DONorthNorth West EnglandPRPreston Mail CentreNorthNorth West EnglandSKStockport CDONorthSouth MidlandsCVPFW Coventry LDNorthSouth MidlandsCVPFW International HubNorthSouth MidlandsCVPFW National HubNorthSouth MidlandsLELeicester DONorthSouth MidlandsMKBedford DONorthSouth MidlandsMKPFW Milton Keynes LDNorthSouth MidlandsNNCrow Lane DONorthSouth MidlandsNNNational Distribution CentreNorthSouth MidlandsNNSouth Midlands Mail CentreNorthSouth Yorkshire and LincsDNDoncaster DONorthSouth Yorkshire and LincsHUHull Malmo Road DONorthSouth Yorkshire and LincsLNLincoln DONorthSouth Yorkshire and LincsSContact Centre DearneNorthSouth Yorkshire and LincsSFuture WalkNorthSouth Yorkshire and LincsSRoyal Mail SheffieldNorthSouth Yorkshire and LincsSSheffield Mail CentreNorthWest MidlandsBBirmingham Mail CentreNorthWest MidlandsWRWorcester Mail CentreNorthWest MidlandsWVNorth West Midlands Mail CentreNorthYorkshireHDHuddersfield DONorthYorkshireLSLeeds Mail CentreNorthYorkshireWFWakefield DONorthYorkshireWFYorkshire Distribution Centre

South Region – 58 SitesNorth/SouthSectorPC AreaLocation (Office)SouthCentral and East LondonECMount Pleasant Mail CentreSouthCentral and East LondonECRoyal Mail FarringdonSouthCentral and East LondonECW1 DO Mount PleasantSouthCentral and East LondonRMRomford Mail CentreSouthCroydon and SEBNBrighton DOSouthCroydon and SEBNHove DOSouthCroydon and SECRCroydon DOSouthCroydon and SECRCroydon Mail CentreSouthCroydon and SERHGatwick Mail CentreSouthCroydon and SESEGreenwich SDOSouthEssex and AngliaCMChelmsford Mail CentreSouthEssex and AngliaCOColchester DOSouthEssex and AngliaIPIpswich DOSouthEssex and AngliaNRNorwich Mail CentreSouthEssex and AngliaSSSouthend MLOSouthHome Counties NorthALSt Albans DOSouthHome Counties NorthALWelwyn Garden City PDOSouthHome Counties NorthHPHome Counties North Mail CentreSouthHome Counties NorthLULuton DOSouthHome Counties NorthSGStevenage DOSouthHome Counties NorthWDRickmansworth PDOSouthHome Counties SouthSWRoyal Mail Pensbury PlaceSouthHome Counties SouthTWJubilee Mail CentreSouthMedwayCTCanterbury DOSouthMedwayDADartford DOSouthMedwayMEMedway Mail CentreSouthMedwayTNTonbridge DOSouthSouth CoastBHDorset Mail CentreSouthSouth CoastPOPortsmouth MPUSouthSouth CoastSOSouthampton Mail CentreSouthSouth CoastSOWinchester DOSouthSouth WalesCFAberdare DOSouthSouth WalesCFCardiff Mail CentreSouthSouth WalesSASwansea Mail CentreSouthSouth WestBABath DOSouthSouth WestBSBristol Mail CentreSouthSouth WestBSSW Distribution CentreSouthSouth WestBSWestbury on Trym DOSouthSouth WestEXExeter Mail CentreSouthSouth WestGLCheltenham DOSouthSouth WestGLTewkesbury DOSouthSouth WestPLPlymouth Mail CentreSouthSouth WestPLRoyal Mail Plymouth Contact CentreSouthSouth WestTRFalmouth DOSouthThames ValleyHAEdgware DOSouthThames ValleyNWNW1 DOSouthThames ValleyNWPFW London Central LDSouthThames ValleyNWPrincess Royal Dist. CentreSouthThames ValleyNWWest London Delivery CentreSouthThames ValleyRGReading DOSouthThames ValleyRGWest Reading DOSouthThames ValleySLHeathrow Worldwide Dist CentreSouthThames ValleySLInternational Logistics CentreSouthThames ValleySLSlough Mail CentreSouthThames ValleySNSwindon Mail CentreSouthThames ValleyUBGreenford Mail CentreSouthThames ValleyUBNortholt DOSouthThames ValleyUBUxbridge DO

 Communications

There will be a joint communication and promotion campaign launched promoting the ‘Free Flu Voucher’ scheme to all employees from Royal Mail and the Unions raising awareness of the scheme and encouraging take-up.

The communications campaign is planned to begin in September with the Flu Voucher letters arriving in early October.

Communications will be aligned to the Government Flu Jab scheme for this year as summarised above.

So a further improvement has been made in both the NHS and RMG schemes this year and hopefully this will encourage a greater take-up especially following the Coronavirus pandemic.

Considering the risk of flu and Covid-19 co-circulating this winter, we are encouraging members to have the flu jab to reduce their risk of getting flu, becoming unwell and passing it onto family, friends and work colleagues.

Having the flu vaccine is the best defence against the virus and increases people’s chance of having better health outcomes. It is advised to have the jab as early as possible before the flu virus becomes widespread in the autumn and winter months across the UK.

Further details and communications will be issued in due course.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 346/21 – Royal Mail Group – 2021 Free Flu Vaccination Voucher Scheme and On-Site Clinics

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Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 323 – July – August 2021

 The Greener Jobs Alliance was launched to promote skills training and job creation to meet the needs of Britain’s rapidly growing low carbon sectors and to green the whole economy. The transition to a low carbon and resource efficient economy can drive sustainable economic recovery and job creation in every part of the country as well as making existing jobs more secure. But this requires a more strategic national and local approach to deliver the workforce skills needed and to stimulate demand for clean energy and energy efficiency services.

The Greener Jobs Alliance liaises at a national and local level to build the broadest possible support for the policies, investment, partnerships and commitments needed to drive the transition to a low carbon economy.

The Greener Jobs Alliance liaises with training bodies, colleges, universities, employers, local and national government, trade unions, housing associations, campaign and community groups – to build the policies, investment and partnerships needed to drive the transition to a low carbon economy.

The GJA runs a number of ‘free’ courses on the environment for Trade Union Reps in different parts of the UK which have been attended by a number of CWU Reps. See details below.

The GJA came into existence as a result of funding from Battersea and Wandsworth TUC.

The founder GJA Secretary and Newsletter editor was Graham Petersen who is well known to the CWU and has a long standing working relationship with the Union. He is a former TUC Tutor and Course Designer who created Safety Reps training courses and the successful TUC Occupational Health & Safety Diploma Course. He was the head of the Trade Union Studies Centre at South Thames College before retirement from the post and has been a visitor and guest speaker at CWU events and meetings. After 30 Editions, Graham stood down at the GJA AGM on 2 February and has handed over to Paul Atkin as newsletter editor and Tahir Latif as GJA Secretary. Graham remains a GJA Steering Group member and is now working part time for the Wales TUC having recently written a publication for them “Greener workplaces for a just transition – a Wales TUC toolkit for trade unionists”.

See attached copy of the GJA Newsletter No.33 for July-Aug 2021.

Contents GJA Newsletter July/August 2021 & Summary:

1. Editorial: Mind The Gap 

The popularity of a Green New Deal and Just Transition is driven by the prospect of millions of new jobs: their necessity by the terrifying reality of climate change impacts that are becoming more intense with every day that passes.

2. Climate Proof Your Workplace 

On September 22, the ITUC is holding the biggest global conversation about our future: the Global Day of Action to Climate and Employment Proof our Work. Sign up to join the conversation in 2021.

3. Climate Change Committee Report 

UK Government failures highlighted in latest CCC Report. The latest report from the All-Party Parliamentary Climate Change Committee – on how prepared the UK is to combat anticipated climate change impacts – delivers a withering assessment of the last 5 years of Conservative Government. The report warns ‘the UK will face significant further changes in climate to 2050 and beyond, even if the world is on a Paris-aligned emissions trajectory. By 2050 the heatwave summer of 2018 will be a typical summer, summer rainfall could fall by as much as 24% and winter rainfall increase by as much as 16%, changes that will impact our well-being, the natural environment, and the economy’.

4. Green Jobs For Scotland – Feast Or Famine? 

The Green Jobs Report commissioned by the STUC is the sort of document that should be being produced by Government as a Green paper. It considers what changes are needed if Scotland is to meet its decarbonisation needs, what job opportunities are associated with this, and what policies need to be put in place to ensure that these jobs provide Fair Work and enable effective voice demonstrated by high levels of union recognition and influence.

5. Scotland – Just Transition Tour 

Greenpeace UK, Friends of the Earth Scotland and Platform took a 13m wind turbine blade to Inverness, Aberdeen and Dundee to ask oil workers, local politicians and the general public to sign the blade calling for a Just Transition for oil workers. It went exactly as hoped, giving us a really unique opportunity to speak to oil workers, hear their stories, explain exactly what a just transition is and ask what workers and communities want it to look like.

6. COP 26 Actions 

As the days count down to the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow, activity is ramping across the COP26 coalition. Plans are now in place for simultaneous demonstrations in Glasgow and London on 6th November. These will be supported with as many other decentralised protests it’s possible to organise and meetings are being organised across the country to build for the biggest UK wide action on climate change yet. Trade unions are critical to getting members out to their nearest demo, and the COP26 coalition trade union caucus will be focussing its final four online meetings on this.

7. Education International Calls For Global Climate Education 

Education International, which represents 32.5 million educators in 178 countries has called for Universal Climate Change Education and called on all its members to get involved.

10. Building Capacity TUC Education

Climate action in the workplace is a timely new 15-minute online learning module and is a guide to what you need to do to organise members and begin a dialogue with management. It fits very well with the ITUCs Climate and Employment Proof Our Workplace (CEPOW) initiative.

11. Statistics Of The Month 

44% of the UK population think the country’s emissions have any impact on climate change. 68% of UK school students who would like to learn more about it.

12. Building The Greener Jobs Alliance 

GJA website is about to undergo a much needed overhaul.

Online Courses From Greener Jobs Alliance 

These can be done online personally at any time or collectively in meetings.

A Trade Union Guide To Just Transition 

• The meaning and history of the term just transition
• Why it should be a priority issue
• UK and international policies and case studies
• Ideas for developing an action plan

Climate Change Awareness 

Module 1: Climate Change Explained Module

Module 2: International Responses Module

Module 3: Trade Union Responses Module

Module 4: Getting Involved.

Air Quality – A Trade Union Issue 

Module 1: Causes & Health Impacts of Air Pollution

Module 2: The Law and Government Policy

Module 3:  Trade Union Responses & Campaigns.

Further details at:- www.greenerjobsalliance.co.uk

Attachment: GJA-Newsletter-33-July-Aug 2021

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 345/21 – Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 323 – July – August 2021

Att: GJA-Newsletter-33-July-Aug-2021

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Virtual Special General Conference 2021 – Sunday 7^th – Tuesday 9^th November 2021

LTB 304/21 dated 23 July 2021 gave details of General Conference 2022. That LTB also stated that the NEC were aware that there are a number of policy areas around which we need debate and decisions made sooner than a conference in 2022 would allow for.  

We informed Branches that the NEC had agreed to hold a virtual, on-line event later this year for that purpose and that the process of planning the event was underway and further details would be forwarded to Branches shortly.

We are now able to publish the details around what issues will be discussed at that event and the format it will take.

With that in mind a decision has been taken to hold a Virtual Special General Conference in relation to the following areas of policy:-

• General Policy
• Recruitment & Organising
• Building Collectivism/New Deal for Workers
• Politics/Relationship with Labour
• CWU Anti-Racism Strategy

The General Conference Standing Orders Committee has now started working on the business of holding this virtual conference.

Branches should note that the Motion Guide and Motion form for submitting motions to the Virtual Special General Conference 2021 are attached.  Please note that only Motions that seek to create policy on the headings above will be accepted.

Entitlements

In relation to the Virtual Special General Conference 2021 all Branches and Regional Committees are entitled to submit a maximum of TWO Motions to the Virtual Special General Conference 2021 in relation to the headings above.

Branches and Regional Committees are advised that the closing date for submissions of Motions to the Virtual Special General Conference 2021 is Noon Monday 13^th September 2021. 

All Motions to The Virtual Special General Conference must be emailed to conferences@cwu.org and must arrive by Noon 13^th September 2021.

Branches, Regions, and the NEC are reminded that the Standing Orders Committee will not alter or amend any of the Motions submitted therefore it is important that the wording of the Motions is checked before they are submitted. 

Motions will only be admitted to the agenda if they deal with matters under the headings as detailed above. Any motions seeking to deal with other business will be ruled out of order in line with normal procedures for a Special General Conference.

This Virtual Special General Conference has been called by the NEC under arrangements drawn up due to the suspension of Rule 10, Rule 15.1, 15.2 and 15.3. Appeals based on these Rules should be referred to the President. Appeals based on the Standing Orders should be referred to the SOC

Please note that all correspondence must be sent by e-mail to conferences@cwu.org and no other personal e-mail address.

Any queries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Angela Niven on 0208 971 7256 or by e-mail to conferences@cwu.org

Further details of the Virtual Special General Conference will follow.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 344/21 – Virtual Special General Conference 2021- Sunday 7th–Tuesday 9th November 2021

Attachments:

Virtual Special General Conference Form 2021 (right click ‘save as’)
Virtual Special General Conference Guidance Notes

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Online Pilot Mental Health First Aid Courses

The purpose of this LTB is to advise Branches that we have arranged for a series of pilot “Mental Health First Aid” (MHFA) courses to supplement our September to December online programme.

Please note that this is not the TUC accredited CWU “Mental Health Awareness” course.

The Mental Health First Aid course provides an overview for representatives on issues relating to mental health triggers. It raises awareness on the impact these have on individuals and how best to signpost people who are struggling with mental well-being.

Once delivered, further evaluation will take place to consider any future online roll-out. Places are limited and Branches should apply on representative’s behalf in the usual way via the OLS system.

Successful applicants will be notified through our course administration process. They will then be contacted directly by MHFA tutors with joining instructions and any preliminary work that is required.

Attendees will be expected to attend the online course over 4 sessions:

Mon 25th, Tue 26th, Thu 28th & Fri 29th October 21 – start 3pm; finish 5.30pm (4 X 2.5 hours)

Mon 8th, Tue 9th, Thu 11th, Fri 12th November 21– start 3pm; finish 5.30pm (4 X 2.5 hours)

Branches are asked to ensure that students have appropriate PC / laptop equipment and a good internet connection.

The cut-off date for applications is 5pm 10th September 2021. Please be aware that numbers are limited. Paid release does not apply.

Any queries can be forwarded to courseadmin@cwu.org in the first instance.

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson

Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 343/21 – Online Pilot Mental Health First Aid Courses

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Royals al Mail & CWU National Joint Statement Increasing the Parcel (consumer) Collect Threshold

As Branches and Representatives are aware, the parcels market grows continually resulting in further supply and demand with RM customers. Due to the easing of lockdown, Covid-19 has completely changed the shape of ordering on-line with consumers also potentially, continuing to work from home. This may result in fewer visits to the Post Office or a Customer Service Point to either post or return parcels as they look for more convenient options. Equally, there is a demand from online retailers and marketplace sellers to expect a doorstep collection service for returns and outbound parcels. This growth in the market is being targeted by Royal Mail’s competitors.

Currently collections are limited to 5 items per address and 5 collection points per delivery. To grow the volumes Royal Mail is seeking to advertise to customers a removal of the threshold.  There will be intrinsic technology constraints to limit the maximum that can be booked for each delivery built into the system and in exceptional circumstances the availability of Parcel Collect can be switched off temporarily at Delivery Office level, or on a National basis. Where a customer requests a collection of more than 24 items they will be signposted to book an ad hoc collection as a lower cost option.

We have been in discussions with Royal Mail in relation to the attached Joint Statement, which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive, which ensures safeguards are in place that deal with the challenges of raising the current cap, from the current limit of 25 items to 50 items per delivery point. This is due to take place from the 23^rd August onwards.

In line with the existing guidelines and to reaffirm that it is the responsibility of Delivery Office Managers to check parcel collect orders, ensure that this workload is suitable for each delivery, make alternative arrangements where necessary to redistribute the workload via locally agreed arrangements and to the existing Standard Operating Procedure.

It is reaffirmed that Health & Safety and SSOW are of paramount importance to both Royal Mail and the CWU and the necessary SSOW will be updated and will be put in place.  All issues arising in this respect will be proper to the relevant RM safety experts and the CWU National Health & Safety Department.

Following the deployment of this change targeted for 23^rdAugust 2021 both parties will continue to monitor and review the volumes with the data being shared Nationally on a weekly basis in order to resolve any operational issues and the impact which may emanate from this change. There will also be a National Joint Review after 3 months from the launch date in order to assess the volume growth and assess the additional workload. During this 3-month period, the time associated with this change along with frequency of the task, will be subject to an IE study with any impact incorporated into the productivity measure and in the agreed planning and resourcing tools.

Although the cap will be increased to 50 items per delivery point, this will not be an advertised feature from Royal Mail, as they are currently running an advertising campaign in attempt to increase take up of the product.

Currently, customer volumes of parcels collected per walk range from 0 to 26 and the average is 2 per week. Over a 9-week period, 4 or more parcels were collected at one time at 5% of Units and 0.27% of walks. The change to the current limit is not expected to dramatically increase these levels but obviously overall, the aim is to grow the product and revenue from this service as traditional mail volumes fall.

Accordingly, we will continue to review the workload impacts of this change and continue to ensure that we pick up and resolve any difficulties within the operation that may arise resulting from the cap increase.

Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 532 , email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch                                                                                              

CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB – 342/21 – Increasing the Parcel Threshold

Att: Joint Statement – Increase in the Parcel Collect Threshold 17.08.21

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RE: ROYAL MAIL GROUP – 2021 FREE FLU VACCINATION VOUCHER SCHEME

Initial discussions have taken place on this subject and Royal Mail Group has agreed that there will be a 2021 ‘Free Flu Vaccination Voucher Offer’ this year to all employees and the scheme has been further improved as this year there will be more choice and accessibility for members to receive a Flu vaccination. This is the fourth year RMG have offered a ‘free flu jab’ scheme to CWU Members.

This year, the RMG Flu Vouchers will be redeemable in 4,000 outlets across the UK and not limited to one Pharmacy Chain provider.

This year’s Flu Vouchers will be ‘digital’ and members will be given an access code number to obtain the Voucher on-line with simple guidance.

The 2021 RMG Flu Voucher Scheme Summary

• The NHS are extending the groups eligible for a free flu vaccination this year.
• Digital flu vaccination vouchers made available for all colleagues redeemable in 4,000 outlets which is double the amount available last year and will include pharmacies, supermarkets etc.
• On-site Flu Jab clinics are to be provided at 110 of Royal Mail Group’s largest Units 

(Royal Mail and Parcelforce).

• Agency staff will again be included this year.

Digital vouchers

All RMG employees will receive a letter to home by 1 October 2021 which will include a link to access a digital voucher online. Colleagues will be able to redeem their voucher at around 4,000 locations, e.g. pharmacies and supermarkets, which is over 2,200 more outlets than last year.

Free NHS vaccination

The flu jab will be available free of charge from the NHS for people where there is a risk of severe illness from catching flu, for those with certain defined conditions and expanded range of age groups.

On-site flu clinics in Royal Mail and Parcelforce largest units

On-site flu clinics will be available in 110 of our largest Royal Mail Group sites. The Units due to have an on-site flu clinic will be advised and over the next couple of weeks and will be provided with further information and support from RMG Occupational Health HQ.

Communications

There will be a joint communication and promotion campaign launched promoting the ‘Free Flu Voucher’ scheme through Royal Mail and the Unions raising awareness of the scheme and encouraging take-up. 

The communications campaign is planned to begin in September with the Flu Voucher letters arriving in early October. 

Communications will be aligned to the Government Flu Jab scheme for this year and include information for additional ‘at risk’ members of the population and age groups who will receive the vaccination free via the NHS. 

So a further improvement has been made in the scheme this year and hopefully this will encourage a greater take-up especially following the Coronavirus pandemic.

Considering the risk of flu and Covid-19 co-circulating this winter, we are encouraging all employees to have the flu jab to reduce their risk of getting flu, becoming unwell and passing it onto family, friends and colleagues.

Having the flu vaccine is the best defence against the virus and increases people’s chance of having better health outcomes. It is advised to have the jab as early as possible before the flu virus becomes widespread in the autumn and winter months across the UK.

Further details and communications will be issued in due course.

Attachment: 

RMG ‘Free Flu Vaccinations Communication

Yours sincerely 

Dave Joyce 

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 341/21 – ROYAL MAIL GROUP – 2021 FREE FLU VACCINATION VOUCHER SCHEME

Att: Free flu vaccinations for all colleagues

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Face Masks/Coverings in Royal Mail Group Customer Service Points in England

Following the Covid-19 regulatory rule changes announcement by the UK government with regards to England, Royal Mail Group have issued a management communication confirming that it is no longer mandatory for customers and visitors to wear a face mask/covering when entering a Customer Service Point in England.

RMG is however requesting that customers and visitors continue to do so.

An updated poster to has been produced to display in CSPs and this is available to download on the RMG Intranet page “SHE Coronavirus Document Library – Posters Section”.

Existing posters are to be replaced with this updated version.

Facemasks remain mandatory in Scotland, Northern Ireland Wales in Shops as laid down by the devolved administrations.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 340/21

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