Royal Mail Employment Tribunal Holiday Pay Claims

Since the publication of LTB 412/21 dated 29th September 2021, which detailed the cut off dates and payment dates for members to receive their appropriate back pay payments, members and some branches have been contacting the Legal Services Department, Unionline and the Tribunal Office in Bristol seeking clarification regarding such payments.

PLEASE NOTE that the sole responsibility for calculating all payments due to members in line with the National Agreement rests with Royal Mail.

If any member has a query regarding their payment calculation, then Branches should make members aware of the Holiday Pay Queries process, as detailed in the Joint Statement between CWU & RMG published in LTB 412/21.

Therefore, members and Branches should not contact the Tribunal Office in Bristol, Unionline or the CWU Legal Services Department with enquiries regarding the level of back payments due and when such payments are to be made, as none of the above have access to such information.

Members should only contact the CWU Legal Services Department if they have submitted an Employment Tribunal application regarding a Holiday Pay claim to indicate if they wish to either withdraw their Tribunal claim or if they wish to continue with their claim. We will then notify the Bristol Tribunal office and Royal Mail accordingly.

The Legal Services Department has now sent out two separate mail shots to members’ home addresses regarding the process for withdrawing their ET claims. If any member has not received the correspondence, please contact the department via email at employmentlawholpay@cwu.org  

Any member, who wishes to continue with their Employment Tribunal Holiday Pay claim, can do so, on the understanding that the CWU will not provide any further legal representation, in line with the terms of the National Agreement. 

The above also applies to members in Scotland and Northern Ireland, who have submitted Holiday Pay claims to their respective Tribunal offices.

Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be sent by email to employmentlawholpay@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Tony Rupa

Head of Legal Services

LTB 441/21 – Royal Mail Employment Tribunal Holiday Pay Claims

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POST OFFICE: COVID-19 UPDATE – JOINT STATEMENT

Branches are advised that the following Joint Statement has been agreed in relation to Covid-19 and specifically the easing of some of the associated safety controls such as the wearing of face coverings which we believe is now appropriate in the current circumstances:

JOINT STATEMENT POST OFFICE, CWU AND UNITE

COVID 19 Update

 The Post Office, CWU and Unite continue to work together to ensure we prioritise making the workplace as Covid-secure as possible and provide colleagues with the most up to date information regarding COVID 19.

The Government, backed by medical and scientific evidence, set out a step by step roadmap, easing restrictions in order to provide a route back to a normal way of life underpinned by the Covid-19 vaccination and testing programme. The Post Office, CWU and Unite have maintained at each stage a cautious approach with regards to PPE and testing to maintain a consistent approach across all four devolved powers within the UK.

Confirmed cases within Post Office have dropped significantly since January 2021. Whilst carefully monitoring this number and tracking the UK Governments guidance collectively Post Office, CWU and Unite believe that it is now safe to start easing some of the COVID 19 safety controls, with the built in safeguard of being ready to react and re-introduce Covid-secure controls should the need arise if the infections should increase in the workplace and/or nationally.

Face coverings no longer need to be worn behind the counter when safety screens are in place, however, for consistency across the nations face coverings or visors will still be required when working on the public side of the office and in communal areas such as meeting rooms, welfare facilities, corridors etc where social distancing is difficult. Colleagues should continue to follow good practices such as keeping hands clean, maintaining social distancing where possible and making use of the lateral flow tests that are available for all colleagues. It will remain a personal choice to wear a face covering behind counters should colleagues choose to do so and PPE and face coverings will continue to be made available. Vulnerable colleagues should continue to undertake the relevant risk assessments.

We will continue to monitor case numbers and Government guidance with the aim to keep infection rates under control in the workplace as best we can but if infection rates should rise to a level of concern, or if outbreaks occur, restrictions can and will be re-imposed in order to help stop the spread and transmissions as far as is practicable this includes the reintroduction of face coverings.

If you are unsure or need further clarification on the above, please speak to your manager or union rep who will advise you. You can also find further details on the Hub Coronavirus microsite. Steve Blampied

Head of DMB Network

Post OfficeAndy Furey

CWU Assistant SecretaryPhil Savage

Unite

Branches and Representatives are urged to bring this LTB and associated Joint Statement to the attention of our Crown Office members.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

LTB 440/21 – Post Office – Covid-19 Update – Joint Statement

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RM/CWU TERMS OF REFERENCE – OPTIMISING THE COLLECTIONS OPERATION INCLUDING REVIEW OF UTR/EMP ACTIVITY

In 2014 the PEC endorsed and agreed to a trial regarding Collection Hub Optimisation and Enhanced Mail Preparation as outlined in LTB 452/14. The trial never produced any agreed outputs. 

Branches and representatives will be aware however that as part of the Pathway to Change Agreement, the following was stated:

Both parties will jointly develop and agree the approach to the ongoing changing dynamics of declining letters and growth in parcels within the collection function. This approach will consider the collection approach for low volume letter postboxes, the increased use of priority postboxes, the expansion of the parcel postbox network and the growth in consumer collection services.

Therefore, discussions have been taking place with the business in relation to activity to improve the flow and presentation of collections into Mail Centres, support the optimisation of Processing capacity and reduce congestion.

A Terms of Reference has been concluded which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive to enable activity to progress, a copy of which is attached for your information.

As part of an initial study and modelling activity approach, it has been agreed to conduct a joint review across selected and agreed Collection Sectors within four Mail Centre catchment areas. This will allow us to jointly identify and develop improved methods and processes to enhance the flow and presentation of mail from Collections into Mail Centres. This will be achieved by understanding what takes place in all Delivery & Collection Hubs currently and whether they are able to fully containerise all mails prior to despatch and if there could be consolidation of the number of units performing those operations. The activity will also include an evaluation of the optimisation and efficiency opportunities that may be available, along with assessing the people/employee, environmental, safety, quality of service and commercial benefits this may provide.

The four Mail Centres that will form part of the review and exercise will be:

•  Plymouth
•  Sheffield
•  Nottingham
•  London Central

The rationale for the selection of the trial sites is that the CWU leads on the National Collections JWG cover those respective catchment areas, which means we will be able to fully engage in the data gathering and modelling activity and thus have the knowledge and expertise to lead the local JWG.

The review across four Collections Sectors within the nominated Mail Centre catchment areas will be to jointly identify what UTR/EMP operations are in place and develop enhanced methods and processes to improve the flow and presentation of mail from Collections into Mail Centres.

This activity will include:

• Reviewing how many units are actively performing UTR and EMP work on a regular basis.
• Whether UTR/EMP takes place on every day from the units.
• Are the segregation methods compliant with the Service Level Agreement.
• What volumes are generated across all Collection Hubs.
• How do mails connect via all Collection Hubs to the Mail Centre.
• What Road Services are used across all Collection Hubs.
• How are the units managed and operated.
• Reviewing the distribution of mails to Collections Hubs and whether it takes place at the same time as the Collection operation.
• Whether Collection Hubs undertake other work or activity at the same time, for example Customer Service Points and/or Delivery LAT products.
• Modelling activity to determine whether there could be a reduction of Collection units and a review of their locations and if so what the overall impact on the Mail Centre would be as a combined result of arrival profile and presentation of mails, accepting any collective changes should not make the service worse.

The above list is not exhaustive and will form part of the formal reviews carried out by the Collections Joint Working Group.

Given the ongoing pressures in relation to the deployment of revisions linked to the Pathway to Change Agreement, the phased approach and timescales have been agreed to ensure the activity and data gathering is undertaken in a controlled manner. This will then inform future discussions and next steps as part of the National reviews that will take place.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to the relevant department:

Deliveries/Collections: Outdoor Department, email: njones@cwu.org quoting reference: 532. 

Distribution/Processing: Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 714.14. 

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson       

Assistant Secretary                                                 

Mark Baulch

Assistant Secretary                                                      

LTB 433/21

Att: Optimising the Collections Operation 12.10.21

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Royal Mail and Parcelforce Deliveries and Collections to/from Care Homes following the 11 November coming into force of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021:

Introduction:

Discussions have been taking place with Royal Mail Group (covering both the Royal Mail and Parcelforce workforce) in relation to the impact on collections and deliveries to the nation’s circa 18,000 care homes from 11 November 2021 when new legislation comes in to force in England, namely ‘The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021.’

Background:

New Government legislation will come into effect in England on 11 November 2021 relating to care homes which makes it a legal requirement that anyone entering a registered care home premises must be fully Covid-19 vaccinated, providing proof of vaccination or exemption before being allowed to enter the premises. The new law primarily affects those employed in care homes but also equally applies to visitors and those not directly employed by the care home but for example undertaking maintenance, repairs or services – including deliveries and postal collection and delivery services.

The Agreed Procedure For All Deliveries and Collections From Care Homes:

In order to maintain a ‘consistent’ approach to these customers, the safety and wellbeing of our members and to avoid any conflict with care home owners, management and operators, Royal Mail Group (Royal Mail and Parcelforce) have agreed the following policy and approach from 11 November 2021:

• Royal Mail and Parcelforce workers will not enter care homes.
• All deliveries and collections will be made outside care homes.
• All workers delivering to or collecting from care homes will be informed of the forthcoming regulations so they understand the impact on deliveries and collections.
• Royal Mail does not expect any employee to provide evidence of their vaccination status.
• Deliveries taking place to one or more external boxes at care homes can continue.
• Local Managers must contact care home site managers to discuss the implications of the new legislation and agree delivery/collection arrangements from 11 November 2021. These discussions should also fully involve local CWU Representatives of any operational changes which may impact their units resulting from the regulations.
• If care home staff do not come outside to collect their mail and parcels – Royal Mail and Parcelforce workers must not enter the premises even if a reception area is near the entrance. The mail/parcels must be returned to the office and then delivery attempted again the following day. If staff are unable to deliver again, then this will be reported to the office manager who will contact the care home to discuss the collection/delivery arrangements.
• The normal P739 Card procedure will apply where care home staff fail to come outside the care home to accept ‘signed-for’ items.
• Collections as with deliveries must also be undertaken from the outside at an external point.

TUC and UK Trade Unions Policy

The TUC and all UK Trade Unions, including those Unions representing care home workers are strongly opposed to these new regulations which they see as counter-productive.

Attachments:

• Managers’ Brief: Guidance for Deliveries to Care Homes in England from 11 November 2021
• WTLL Staff Briefing/Huddle (Royal Mail & Parcelforce) Delivery To Care Homes in England Legislative Changes from 11 November 2021

Any Enquiries or operational issues in relation to this LTB should be directed to the appropriate department.

Yours Sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

Mark Baulch
Assistant Secretary
Outdoor Department

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary
Processing, Logistics, Parcelforce, International, Quadrant Department

LTB 437/21 – Royal Mail and Parcelforce Deliveries and Collections to from Care Homes from 11 November 2021

Att: Managers’ Brief – delivery to care homes (290921)

Att: Huddle – delivery to care homes (290921v3)

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Rivus Fleet Solutions National Team (NT) Elections

As you will be aware, BT Fleet was sold to a venture capitalist company called Aurelius and is now trading under the name, Rivus Fleet Solutions (RFS), which is the company Aurelius established to run what was BT Fleet.

The Previous Election of the National Team (NT) was carried out prior to BT disposing of the fleet business and was therefore run along the same lines as other BT NT Elections.  This is now changing.

In past elections the process was;

– 2 representatives from what was the BT Fleet Garage Network nominated by BT branches and elected through BT branch voting strength. 1 representative from what was the BT Fleet Administration Centre nominated by Midland No. 1 branch as the branch responsible for the geography in which the building sits.

– The elections are held every two years.

The new process will be;

– 2 representatives from the Rivus Garage Network nominated by branches with members working in the RFS garage network and elected by email ballot of Rivus Fleet Solutions members in the RFS garage network.

– 1 representative from The Rivus Support Centre nominated by Midland No. 1 branch as the branch responsible for the geography in which the building sits.

– The elections will be held every 2 years.

The purpose of this LTB therefore is to invite branches with members in the RFS garage network to nominate up to two representatives from members who work in the RFS garages.  Only one person from any one RFS garage is permitted.  Any nominations from branches without members in the Rivus garage network will be excluded.

Nominations should be sent via email to jquaife@cwu.org and be received by mid-day on Wednesday 20th October.  Should more than two nominations be received an election as outlined above, will follow.

A briefing to Rivus Fleet Solutions members is attached for your information.

Yours sincerely

Allan Eldred
Assistant Secretary

LTB 434/21

Att: Briefing 180/21

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Royal Mail & CWU National Joint Statement Displaying Preferred Names Via the Royal Mail App

As Branches and Representatives will be aware, as the market leader in the UK, Royal Mail intends to lead the market in consumer (i.e. receiving) customer experience. Improvements in technology among Royal Mail’s competitors in the postal sector is leading to increasing customer expectations over the information provided regarding their inbound mail. There is also an increasing trend amongst consumers in mobile consumption of Royal Mail’s information, access to services and demand for speed and greater personalisation.

‘Postie in Your Pocket’ (PIYP)

This initiative seeks to improve ‘user experience’ aiming to put trust at the doorstep at the heart of consumers’ interaction with Royal Mail.

The new Royal Mail App will make the top customer needs ‘user-friendly’ with the key initial changes being:

• A redesigned homepage to offer a personalised and more intuitive experience
• Display the name of the customer, their local CSP and today’s Delivery OPG, as many of our competitors do today
• Inform a customer of Tracked items today, their Estimated Delivery Window and who will be delivering them
• A more secure registration journey which validates the user

Sensitivity Regarding Displaying The Name Of Who Is Delivering A Tracked Item

Royal Mail and the CWU are acutely aware that not every Delivery OPG and Delivery Colleagues may want their name or want the first name they use to register for a PDA log-in.  to be displayed.

Therefore, within the Settings screen of the PDA there is the ability to change the name to be displayed as a preferred name and also the ability to opt-out altogether.  In the event that the Delivery colleague opts out the words ‘Your Postie’ will appear in the new Royal Mail App used by consumers. It is jointly recognised that the final decision of choice in this regard will be determined by the individual Delivery OPG, recognising also that individual’s circumstances and experiences may change over time. Therefore, this decision will be maintained for any individuals who may wish to change what name or registered user name is chosen and displayed on the App. This will also be extended for any other similar products and services in the future.

Use of data

• No new data will be collected beyond a preferred name.
• Preferred names and opt-out choices will not be used for any other purposes in line with our agreements.
• The new Royal Mail App will not display progress of an item or of a Delivery Officer (e.g. as competitors show; “you are delivery #29 and we are currently on #26”). To confirm there will be no route “real time” visibility for customers of items or OPG’s whilst they are performing their delivery routes.

Royal Mail and the CWU re-confirm fully to those joint commitments to the use of data, individual’s rights, privacy for individuals and the use of technology which are set out in section (17. Data Usage) of the Guiding Principles National Agreement and section (2.5 Technology) within the Key Principles-Pathway to Change National Agreement.

Review/ Summary

Royal Mail and the CWU both understand the importance of being able to offer consumers a first-class digital experience to enhance the trust that already exists on the doorstep. Both parties will continue to review any operational impacts or individual’s experiences through the launch of the App at a National Level with all information and any data being shared with the CWU in order to fully undertake the review. The new Royal Mail App will be available for download from 22^ndOctober 2021.

In addition, Royal Mail will continue to work jointly with the Union going forward with any further enhancements, developments or changes to the App going forward, subject to National Discussions and joint rollout.

Further, any issues or difficulties experienced from this service within the locality, will be raised to the signatures of this Joint Statement Nationally for resolution and subject to the IR Framework.

Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 230.03, email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

 Mark Baulch                                                                                              

CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 438/21 – Displaying Preferred Names Via the Royal Mail App 12.10.21

Att: JS – Displaying preferred names – PIYP – October 2021

Att: D19.2 Log In to PDA Swap Battery Restart Log Out Process

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Royal Mail Group (Royal Mail & Parcelforce) – Lifting of Covid-19 Secure Restrictions and Re-Introduction of Standard Operating Procedures/Business As Usual (SOP/BAU):

Further to LTB No. 420/21 and the RMG/CWU Joint Statement/Communication of 5 October 2021, this is to update Branches and provide clarification to assist local discussions commencing as of today, facilitating progression back to standard operating procedure and business as usual, through the agreed, cautious lifting of Covid-secure restrictions.

On Friday evening Royal Mail Group issued definitive guidance to Managers to confirming the following:

Firstly;

• All private cars on delivery must cease from Monday 11 October
• Shared van duties can commence across the country in line with the Shared Van SWI (Safe Working Instruction)

Secondly;

In the following work areas/activities, social distancing measures can be removed and working practices returned to normal:

Operational

• Bull ring operations
• Incline conveyor operations
• Drop bag fitting operations
• Loading and unloading of aircraft operations
• Delivery preparation frames/IPS fittings activity
• Two person loading and unloading in trailers
• Use of minibuses (in the event of these still being used, ventilation is key – as is wiping down the touch points)
• Staggered start times can be relaxed if they are in place for social distancing reasons

Non-Operational

• WTLL and In Class Training Courses (rooms must be well ventilated and clean)
• Administration areas (rooms must be well ventilated and clean)

Thirdly;

In The Following Areas Social Distancing Measures will remain unchanged until further notice and kept under review nationally:

• All controls in place for Test kits collection (over-bagging) will continue
• Contactless delivery will continue, no signatures are required for signed for items
• In-cab driver training will continue with current agreed controls

Discussions regarding these topics continue and further communications will follow in due course. 

Face Coverings

Indoors – face coverings are highly recommended in England.

Indoors – face coverings are mandatory in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

Risk Assessments/Safe Systems of Work/Safe Working Instructions

Risk assessments and Safe Working Instructions (SWIs) associated with socially distanced activities will be archived and available for later use if required. Standard working procedures will be included within the generic task risk assessments and safe systems of work (SSOW).

Future Outbreaks 

In the event of any future local Covid-19 outbreaks, the Coronavirus Unit Risk Assessments can be reviewed in line with local discussion on how the outbreak needs to be managed. Refer to the guidance issued previously with the Joint Communication on 5 October.

Other Important Issues For Members To Remember 

Wash hands/sanitise regularly, face coverings, clean vehicles before and after use, ventilate work areas – increased ventilation reduces the virus concentration in the air.

Coronavirus Testing and Vaccination

CWU/HQ encourages all members to participate in the workplace testing scheme which has so far detected a number of members carrying the virus with no symptoms and as such has avoided outbreaks in 45 Offices – LFD Test Kits are available on request from the Office Manager and both Royal Mail HQ, Parcelforce HQ and CWU HQ encourage all members to get tested regularly. If a member has symptoms, then book a PCR test either at a Test Centre or by post and self-isolate as necessary. Finally, get vaccinated for Covid-19 and for Flu – using the new RMG ‘free Flu Jab Voucher Scheme’.

Attachment: Royal Mail Group Communication ‘Removal of social distancing controls across the UK – from Monday 11 October’

Yours Sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

Mark Baulch
Assistant Secretary
Outdoor Department

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary
Processing, Logistics, Parcelforce, International, Quadrant Department

LTB 436/21 – Royal Mail & Parcelforce Lifting of Covid-19 Secure Restrictions and Re-Introduction of Standard Operating Procedures Business As Usual

Att: 8th October 2021

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Royal Mail Group – Provision of Personal Attack Alarms (140db) To Postal Workers:

This is a short update further to LTB No. 422/2021 issued on 6 October 2021.

Discussions with Royal Mail Group and ‘Dimensions’ the company’s work-wear suppliers have continued today and it has been agreed that the new Personal Attack Alarms (PAAs) will be made available on the Royal Mail Group website this week, (date to be confirmed) where members can pre-order the item.

There will be a clear message on the portal advising the workforce that this is a ‘pre-order’ item and it will be dispatched to them as soon as the stock is received into the warehouse.

In terms of lead-times, ‘Dimensions’ have been in contact with the manufacturer of the PAAs to see if the alarms can be delivered sooner than mid-November and a response is awaited.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

21LTB435 Royal Mail Group – Provision of Personal Attack Alarms (140db) To Postal Workers

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Royal Mail & CWU National Joint Statement – Parcel Collect Enhancement – Bring My Label

As branches will be aware the CWU have been working with the company to introduce various initiatives that will enhance the products offered to the customer and this particular one is no different.

Having jointly launched the Parcel Collect product with CWU in October 2020, Royal Mail is seeking to grow the product through service improvements. One of the areas that Royal Mail want to consider is the provision of pre-printed, adhesive labels to customer purchasing Parcel Collect so that it is accessible for customers who do not have a home printer. Parcelforce already offers this service, although it isn’t widely available in the market, so will be an attractive proposition.

Royal Mail & the CWU are currently jointly conducting a trial in 4 Delivery Offices (Bath, Cheltenham, Doncaster and Newton Mearns) which commenced on the 2^nd August, during which feedback and lessons learned have been captured from OPGs and Managers. This trial was supported by a joint statement, to then be reviewed.

To date 14.7% of these units Parcel Collect volume has converted to “Bring My Label”. This equated to approximately 4 items per site per day requiring a label to be taken to the address. Due to the success so far of this trial, the positive customer feedback received and without any adverse reported feedback from OPG’s within the trial, the business wishes to extend “Bring My Label” to allow all customers to benefit from having the label brought to them.

Process and Rollout

The full process is detailed in the Joint Statement for your consideration, together with the timetable for rollout. Also covered off in the Joint Statement are the following:

• Phase 1 – Pre-peak
• Phase 2 – Jan-April 2022
• Health & Safety Issues & Safe Systems of Work
• Summary and Review Process and Timetable

In addition, CWU have posed some questions in terms of operational issues to the company and to hopefully be helpful, we have reproduced them below for your information and consideration:

If a Delivery Route ends up with multiple labels for their route, how are they kept separately from each other?  Labels will be sorted to the collection address in the walk frame and bundled up with other items for that address, and so will be in delivery point order.  This also serves as a reminder to the OPG that the next address has a “bring my label” collection

In addition, if a Customer has multiple items to be collected and requested for example 3 labels, is there any way to know which are for which item and whose responsibility to do that at the doorstep?  For a doorstep collection, it will be the responsibility of the customer to attach labels. The OPG will hand the labels to the customer and it is the customer’s responsibility to ensure the correct label is on the corresponding item. The label has the delivery address, item format and weight (e.g. Small Parcel, 300g) which will help the customer know which label is for which item.

In summary, we are satisfied that this initiative pitches the company at the forefront of customer service levels and deals with the threats of losing market share to Royal Mail’s competitors who also offer this service.  We have also covered off all the operational concerns that we foresee at this point, whilst also capturing the time in terms of additional workload and incorporating this in to the planning tools and systems.

Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 230.03, email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch

CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 432-21 Parcel Collect Enhancement – Bring My Label

Bring my label CWU and RM Joint statement – October 2021 final

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Stoptober’ Campaign 2021 – Helping Smokers Quit!

We are reminding Branches of the national ‘Stoptober Campaign’ promoted by the National Health Service, Public Health England and UK Government as well as being supported by many UK Health Charities and Professional Health Organisations.

The British Lung Foundation (BLF) is one such important charity and one of many supporting the ‘Stoptober Campaign’. BLF is the only UK charity looking after the nation’s lungs. With people’s support, they aim to make sure that one day everyone breathes clean air with healthy lungs.

Stoptober runs throughout the month of October and there’s never been a better time to quit! Stopping smoking is the best thing smokers can do for their own health – and the health of people around them. It’s never too late to quit. Smokers start seeing the benefits immediately, not just for their own health but also their finances.

There are a number of ways the NHS can support people to quit smoking in Stoptober. The Stoptober App (available on the App Store and Google Play) shows how much money smokers save by stopping, and people can subscribe to get a daily email to boost their motivation. People can also join the stop smoking community or receive more personal support.

Don’t forget the local NHS Stop Smoking Services are free, friendly and can massively boost the chances of quitting for good. GPs, asthma nurses and pharmacists can advise anyone how to get started, talk to people about treatments like nicotine patches, and check individuals’ current medication.

Giving up smoking is not easy, but the benefits are huge:

• Save Money – You’ll have much more cash in your pocket. If you smoke a packet a day, you could save around £250 each month!
• Boost your health – No matter how long you’ve smoked for, quitting can help improve your health straight away.
• Quit for your family – You’re more likely to live longer and have more energy for quality time with your children, family and friends.

What happens when you quit Smoking?

• The sooner you quit, the sooner you’ll notice changes to your body and health. Look at what happens when you quit for good. If you can make it to 28 days smoke-free, you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good.
• After 20 minutes, check your pulse rate, it will already be starting to return to normal.
• After 8 hours your oxygen levels are recovering, and the harmful carbon monoxide level in your blood will have reduced by half.
• After 48 hours all carbon monoxide is flushed out. Your lungs are clearing out mucus and your senses of taste and smell are improving.
• After 72 hours if you notice that breathing feels easier, it’s because your bronchial tubes have started to relax. Also your energy will be increasing.
• After 2 to 12 weeks blood will be pumping through to your heart and muscles much better because your circulation will have improved.
• After 3 to 9 months any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increases by up to 10%.
• After 1 year great news! Your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker’s.
• After 10 years more great news! Your risk of death from lung cancer will have halved compared with a smoker’s.

Smoking and Mental Health

Did you know? 

Stopping smoking not only improves your physical health but also is proven to boost your mental health and wellbeing.  Quitting can improve mood, and help relieve stress, anxiety and depression.

Non-Smokers

If you don’t smoke, why not try and support and reassure someone who does, remind them of the benefits of giving up.

Stoptober Website

If you need support to stop smoking there is lots of guidance on the ‘Stoptober’ Website at: www.nhs.uk/OneYou/Stoptober and the RMG ‘Feeling First Class’ Website at: www.feelingfirstclass.co.uk

Royal Mail Group

For more information on how to stop smoking and general wellbeing why not take a look at the Royal Mail Group ‘Feeling First Class’ Website at; www.feelingfirstclass.co.uk (Use the code FFC1 to sign up). The smoking guidance includes advice on how to suppress the triggers that make you want to smoke. The CWU Health Safety and Environment Department is encouraging RMG employees/CWU members to ‘Sign-Up’ as a ‘FFC’ Website member in order to utilise all the on-line health tools and the full benefits available.

Download The Free NHS Quit Smoking App

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/nhs-smokefree/id687298065

Get a free NHS Personal Quit Plan

Quitting smoking is easier with the right support. Give up for 28 days, and you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good – get your plan now!

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/personal-quit-plan/

Find your local NHS Stop Smoking Service

There’s a free local Stop Smoking Service (LSSS) near you. With their professional help, you’re 3 times as likely to quit for good.

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/find-your-local-stop-smoking-service/

Resources

There are also lots of excellent resources, materials and ideas for ways to support giving up smoking on the NHS and PHE Stoptober web sites.  Visit the following Links:

NHS Website: Quit Smoking This Stoptober

PHE Website: https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/resources/campaigns/126-stoptober-2021

British Lung Foundation:https://www.blf.org.uk/take-action/campaign-with-us/stoptober

Attachments:

• Stoptober Give Quitting a Go Poster
• Stoptober Smoking and Mental Health Poster
• NHS Stop Smoking Treatments Guide

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

21LTB431 ‘Stoptober’ Campaign 2021 – Helping Smokers Quit

Stoptober – Give Quitting A Go Poster

Smoking Mental Health Poster

NHS Stop smoking treatments Guide

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