Royal Mail & CWU National Joint Statement – Capture Photo On Delivery- Phase 2 Deployment

Further to LTB 444/21 regarding Phase 1, we have been involved in discussions with Royal Mail, both in terms of reviewing volumes in the phase 1 rollout and the expansion of the service to further deployment.

As Branches and Representatives are aware, Royal Mail faces an increasingly competitive landscape both in the letters and parcels market and their future success is dependent upon the ability to keep up with current trends, whilst providing value for money, excellent customer and quality of service. We also have firm joint commitments within our National agreements of maintaining job security, whilst also improving pay, terms and conditions for our members.

Royal Mail’s large Account Customers are asking carriers to capture a photographic image as proof of delivery; their rationale for wanting this capability is that it helps to reduce denial of receipts. Competitors such as DPD and Hermes already offer this capability, including Parcelforce. To retain and grow market share RM and the CWU are committed to ‘speed up this process’ to enable this capability within the Royal Mail Core Network.

Phase 1 was deployed before peak 2021 enabling the Capture Photo on Delivery service for Boohoo Tracked items, initially and subsequently extended to M&S and we have been advised just this week also, the Very Group. This has proven to be a success with both Boohoo and M&S and since the launch 3.5 million photographs/images have been taken.  The Joint statement will now be extended from October 2021 and will be implemented with the next Phase as follows:

Phase 2: Capture Photo on Delivery Extended to All Tracked Non Signature Customers

Phase 2 is an extension of the capability that Boohoo, and M&S enjoy to all Tracked 24/48 non signature customers, excluding the majority of UKHSA Test Kits.  In addition, following identification of an improvement opportunity by CWU, representatives and Delivery OPGs, there will be an enhancement to the visibility on the PDA that the item requires a photo.  Royal Mail will ensure that all delivery units are fully briefed on the changes, including training that will be given by Workplace Coaches.  Phase 2 is expected to go live 1^st March.

Phase 3: Capture Photo Extended to Tracked Signature 

The ability to capture a photo will be extended to signature tracked customers, in various configurations as follows:Photo OnlyNo PhotoPhoto & nameName onlyPhoto, Signature, & NameSignature, & NamePhoto & signatureSignature only

Phase 3 is expected to go live during April 2022, subject to technology changes.

A new outdoor Observed Time Values (OTV) along with the frequency of the task for Capture Photo on Delivery activity will be established and incorporated into Delivery Systems and the WIPWH productivity measures. This additional workload and activity will be built into OWM (Outdoor Workload Model which feeds into the WIPWH productivity measure) and the revision planning tools/systems. This will be completed by the start of the financial year 2022/23 (April 2022). These reviews and resultant uplift to the observed time values and planning values will be subject to further National discussions and agreement between RM Delivery Director and CWU Assistant Outdoor Secretary, ahead of the changes being included in OWM & GeoRoute systems. Further program and milestones are also set out in the Joint Statement attached.

Whilst both parties are jointly committed to ensure that the new OTVs and resultant changes to any current PVs, alongside the frequency uplifts are in place for the Phase 3 national rollout, (which would also enable this workload to be included into weekly resource meetings), units will need to review any ongoing and additional local factors which will need to be considered and put in place to support the full deployment of Capture Photo on Delivery.  In relation to the above both parties have agreed that further communications and clarification explaining all agreed outputs will be required which will be shared as and when further developments take place.

Further phase 2 & 3 expansion of Photo on Delivery

Royal Mail will ensure that all delivery units are fully briefed on any changes, including the necessary training given by Workplace Coaches; confirmation of these processes are also reference in the Joint Statement. 

On occasions OPG’s may get challenged by customers on taking a photo. If this is the case, OPG’s should politely advise the customer that they are requested to take a photo as proof of delivery, but if the customer refuses, items will be returned to sender. However, a customer may object strongly and not allow the OPG to take a photo (whether or not social distancing is applicable at the time) then the OPG may not be able to retain the parcel.  Should this arise, then under no circumstances should the OPG become involved in a confrontation and should report the incident to their DOM/Manager on return to the office; the OPG will not be held responsible for the customer behavior in such circumstances.

Health & Safety and Safe Systems of Work 

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

Summary

We have been involved in quite intense discussions with Royal Mail over recent weeks on the expansion of this offering and in particular the issue of ensuring that the increased workload values along with the frequencies for the task with the expansion of the service is adequately built into the productivity, planning tools and systems. We have been very firm with Royal Mail that whilst we fully support the expansion and growth of this service in order to reduce denial of receipt and not lose out on volumes to Royal Mail’s competitors. It is absolutely critical that we also ensure that the increased associated workload is fully taken into account; we believe that the National Joint Statement contains the necessary safeguards in this regard.

Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 540, email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch

CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 054-22 – Capture Photo On Delivery- Phase 2 Deployment

JS – Capture Photo on Delivery Phase 2MB FINAL – Feb. 2022

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POST OFFICE: PAY 2021/22 – LEGAL TRADE DISPUTE – BALLOT FOR STRIKE ACTION

Further to LTB 046/22 dated 3^rdFebruary.

Ballot Timetable: Branches are advised the Postal Executive is meeting on Wednesday 9^thFebruary where it is anticipated a decision will be made in respect of the ballot timetable.  It should be noted the timetable is being drawn up in conjunction with the SDGS Department and the exact details will be provided in due course following the consideration of the PE.

Membership Verification Exercise: Branches are also advised a membership verification exercise will be required following the PE decision in respect of the ballot timetable and therefore Branch Secretaries with Post Office members are alerted to this necessary activity.  Our full-time Reps are already prepared to provide support and assistance to Branch Secretaries in this regard.  Branches will be encouraged to treat this as a priority. 

Membership Communication:Please see the attached home mailing which should be received by our members imminently.  This communication has focussed on the myths pedalled by Post Office in a vain attempt to justify the pay freeze. 

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

22LTB053 Post Office – Pay 2021-22 – Legal Trade Dispute – Ballot For Strike Action

Attachment 1 to 22LTB053 – Home Mailing

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RMG Driver/Road Safety Briefing/Communication W/C 07.02.22 – ‘Drink and Drugs’

Introduction

The Royal Mail Group Road Safety Manager‎ has informed the CWU/HQ Health, Safety and Environment Department that the RMG Safety Health and Environment Team will be issuing a national driver/road safety briefing/communication huddle week commencing Monday 7 Februaryabout ‘Drink and Drugs’ and this will be based on the attached SHE Huddle FY22 007 ‘Drink and Drugs’ which will be supported by a slide on the RMTV screens throughout the business to support the road safety message to drivers.

Background

Regrettably and quite shockingly, recent evidence suggests that drink/drug driving is on the increase, despite decades of public road safety campaigns highlighting the dangers and consequences – hence this campaign.

Roadside drink testing, backed up by severe court penalties and driving bans, plus campaigns highlighting accidents and injuries collectively built up the social unacceptability of drink driving. Roadside testing for drug driving was subsequently introduced to identify drivers impaired by drugs. Drink and Drugs sadly continues to be a problem on the roads with recent evidence suggesting an increase with the UK Police finding a sharp increase last year.  Some facts:

• 8,000 killed or seriously injured by drivers impaired by drink or drugs.
• 24% of people killed were impaired by drink or drugs.
• 1 in 10 people driving for work, fail random drink and drug tests.

Drugs and Alcohol Effects on Driving 

Slows reaction times, impairs judgement, affects concentration, causes fatigue, leads to risk taking and erratic behaviour, causes confusion, muscle paralysis, hallucinations, agitation, panic attacks, memory impairment, blurred vision and drowsiness, slows reaction times, reduces coordination and the ability to think clearly – Impairs ability to drive safely! 

Impairment through drink or drugs means a driver and passengers are more likely to die or be seriously injured in a collision. 

Prosecution and Penalties

Minimum 12 months’ driving ban, unlimited fine, up to 6 months in prison, licence endorsed for 11 years and causing death by dangerous driving whilst under influence of drink or drugs results in up to 14 years in prison.

Other impacts:  

• May affect employment and employability.
• Increased car insurance costs.
• Difficulty obtaining Visa e.g., for travel to USA.

Morning After Effect 

Watch out for the morning after effect. Many drivers get caught out because alcohol stays in the system longer than most people think. Driving to work after a night’s sleep thinking the alcohol has cleared when it hasn’t!

Prescription and Over The Counter Drugs 

Drivers should take care with prescription or ‘over the counter’ drugs – check for any warnings that they may affect driving by causing drowsiness. If in any doubt, check with a doctor or pharmacist.

Supporting Information 

See supporting information on the Royal Mail screens and intranet.  Royal Mail Group support is available to help anyone with a problem with alcohol or drug dependency. All support is treated in strict confidence. Employees themselves or their managers can make a referral to the occupational health service by calling 0345 266 5060 or visiting www.rmgfirstclasssupport.co.uk or downloading the ‘Lifeworks’ App. New users of the website/App can sign up using a unique invitation code which is ‘RMG-‘ and their pay number, e.g., RMG-12345678. Full guidance and signposting to external support services is available in the Alcohol and Drugs Guide via the health policy and information pages on PSP.

Managers Actions

• Managers to brief drivers on the SHE Huddle FY22 007 content attached.
• Drivers to ensure that they drive in accordance with the Royal Mail Driving SSoW and the law.

ASR Action

Would ASRs support the briefing and ensure it is delivered in all Units and cascade information.

Attachments:

• RMG SHE Huddle FY22 007 Driver Distraction
• Road Safety Drinking & Driving Fact Sheet from RoSPA
• RMG Driving SSoW

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB048 RMG Driver Road Safety Briefing Communication WC 07.02.22 – ‘Drink and Drugs’

SHE Huddle FY22 007 Drink and Drug Driving

ROSPA Road Safety Drinking and Driving Factsheet

Driving (Royal Mail Operations) SSOW v1.3

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Royal Mail Group – Coronavirus Unit Risk Assessment Update Version 10:

See attached copy of the Royal Mail Group – Coronavirus Unit Risk Assessment Update Version 10. This updates LTB 021/2022 issued on 18 January 2022 and RMG Coronavirus Unit Risk Assessments Update V9.

In line with the ongoing commitment from Royal Mail Group to keep the CWU informed of any changes or updates made to the Coronavirus Unit Risk Assessments, CWU/HQ has been advised of the RMG Unit Risk Assessment approach which amalgamates the previously issued Functional Risk Assessments into one Risk Assessment that applies to all RMG sites.

This Risk Assessment incorporates the changes communicated in October 2021, December 2021 and January 2022.

The Unit Risk Assessment Version 10 attached, is based on the current key Government Covid-Secure controls (hand hygiene, ventilation, face coverings – mandatory or strongly recommended in England, and cleaning – touch points, vehicles, shared equipment etc.).

The updated Unit Risk Assessment V10 reflects the following:

• Face covering requirement – strongly recommended in England (communicated 20/01/2022).
• Devolved administration guidance in relation to physical distancing (where reasonable).

The Risk Assessment also refers to other controls such as testing and revised operational procedures which have been introduced e.g., contactless delivery.

Subjects Covered:

• Touch Points
• Contacts
• Handling Test Kits
• First Aid
• Mental Health, Stress and Anxiety
• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Cleaning & Waste Disposal
• Hand Hygiene
• Signage
• Face Coverings
• Operational Procedures
• Ventilation
• Self-Isolation
• Testing
• Monitoring

The Unit Risk Assessment V10 has been circulated to all Royal Mail Group Unit Managers/PiCs this month.

An example copy is attached for ASR information and reference. The full working version is accessible on the RMG Intranet/Share Point site.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB047 Royal Mail Group – Coronavirus Unit Risk Assessment Update Version 10

Copy of Coronavirus Unit Risk Assessment v10.0

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PAUL MOORE – FORMER NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, CHAIR OF THE STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF GREATER LONDON COMBINED BRANCH

It is with deep sadness that I write to advise you that Paul Moore, Former National Executive Council member, Chair of the Standing Orders Committee and Assistant Secretary of Greater London Combined Branch, passed away on Tuesday 1^stFebruary after a period of serious illness.

Throughout the course of his long career Paul had made a great contribution in representing our members, the union and the wider Labour movement.

Paul played a major role in key national issues in our predecessor unions the POEU and NCU, as well as within the CWU.  He was a highly influential speaker at our conferences and played a crucial role in successful strikes that took place in Girobank and the BT engineers’ London contract dispute in 1997.

Paul was also very active in the wider Labour movement and was an elected Councillor in the GLC and a delegate to the Labour Conference for many years.  He will always be remembered as somebody who through his knowledge, experience and intellect, had a positive influence on many of today’s CWU representatives and leaders.

I know I speak on behalf of everybody who knew Paul, in saying he will be sorely missed and we offer our sincere condolences to his partner Susan, his sons Max and Felix and all his friends and colleagues.

Details of Paul’s funeral will be circulated in due course.

Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the General Secretary at jdunn@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary 

22LTB045 – Paul Moore

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POST OFFICE: PAY DISPUTE 2021/22

After ten months of complete silence from Post Office, they have now come clean and told their employees there will be a pay freeze for 2021/22.  This communication from Angela Williams, Group Chief People Officer, is attached for information.

In essence, the excuses proffered for a pay freeze are:

• The Government’s pay freeze policy for public sector workers
• The retail trading environment of Post Office

Neither of these claims hold up to scrutiny and as such are spurious.  By Post Office’s own admission, they are just “mindful” of the shareholders’ position “when we make our ownpay decisions”.  This proves the pay freeze is not a Government requirement and Post Office is attempting to hide behind Government’s flawed policies.  They have defeated their own arguments by admitting Post Office is not obliged to follow Government policy.

Despite the pandemic, we understand Post Office will declare a reasonably healthy profit once it finally publishes its 2020/21 Annual Report & Accounts.  Indeed, our members are acutely aware Post Offices remained open throughout the lockdowns when most other high street retailers were closed.  Basically, Post Office can afford to provide our members with a good pay rise and their excuses are absolutely hollow.  In fact, Post Office has consistently failed, including during the Acas talks, to provide any financial evidence to warrant the pay freeze policy and their communication fails to legitimise their stance and therefore in the absence of any real justification, the corporate jargon is utterly meaningless.

Evidently, the above proves there is no case for a pay freeze policy and that is why it is necessary for our members to deliver a Yes vote in the forthcoming strike ballot.

A CWU web article on Post Office’s pay freeze position can be accessed via:

Post Office ‘no pay rise’ message to staff provokes anger!

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

Attachment 1: 22LTB044 – Post Office – Pay Dispute 2021-22

Attachment 2: A message from Angela Williams – Update on Pay Awards

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RMG Coronavirus Update – Further Easing of Covid-19 Restrictions in Wales:

Further to LTBs 002/22, 031/22 and 033/22, the Welsh Government has announced the further additional easing of Covid-19 control measures and restrictions as outlined below:

From Friday 28 January 2022 in Wales

• The minimum period of self-isolation for those with Coronavirus has reduced from seven days to five full days.
• It is no longer necessary for employees who can work from home to do so.
• There is no longer a requirement for 2 metre social distancing in workplaces.

See attached message from Dr. Shaun Davis RMG Director of Safety‎ that was issued to all managers in Wales yesterday evening.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB043 RMG Coronavirus Update – Further Easing of Covid-19 Restrictions in Wales

Coronavirus update

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Mandatory Fair & Equal Course – Interim Delivery Measures

The purpose of this LTB is to advise Branches that the NEC has endorsed an interim approach to how the mandatory Fair & Equal course is delivered.

The primary reason for the change is that as a result of Further Education funding cuts, our College providers cannot deliver the course in its current format.

This raises a number of issues including our compliance with the policy of continued delivery of this crucial course. There is also a high demand for it to continue whilst future plans are being prepared and proposed.

Consequently, it is important to put interim measures in place to ensure high quality and consistent equality and diversity training for our representatives.

Therefore, between now and close of Conference 2022, the course will be delivered by CWU aligned qualified tutors who are willing to assist.

It should be noted that during this period, the course will be run “informally” meaning that there will be no recognised accreditation or qualification. However, the CWU will provide an “in-house” certificate of successful completion.

This interim measure will be reviewed post-conference 2022.

Regions and Branches are advised to request running the Fair & Equal course at local venues or via online platforms e.g. “zoom” by emailing courseadmin@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

22LTB 042 – Mandatory Fair & Equal Course – Interim Delivery Measures

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CWU Annual Conference – Bournemouth – 24^th-29^th April 2022

Bucket Collections

Branches are reminded that any requests for Bucket Collections during Annual Conference need to be put in writing to conferences@cwu.org   Written requests should include background material/information/full details on the organisation for which the collection is to be made.   The General Conference SOC will be advised accordingly and arrangements will be made for the collections.   The monies collected will be counted by the SDGS Department and a cheque will be made out to the appropriate bodies.

The number of bucket collections during conference will only exceptionally exceed two.

Distribution of Documents at General Conference

All requests for the distribution of documents on delegates’ seats shall, in the first instance, be referred in writing to the General Conference SOC, together with a copy of the document(s) concerned, for consideration. Please send any requests to conferences@cwu.org

Any documents that have been agreed for distribution on delegates’ seats at General conference shall be delivered to the General Conference Administration office by no  later than 5pm on the day prior to distribution.

Branches are reminded of the facility of the Conference Guide to publicise meetings and other events.

Seating at Conference

If any member of your delegation requires special seating due to special needs or a disability

they should email conferences@cwu.org as soon as possible stating the reason and the

conference(s) the member will be attending and no later than Friday 4th March 2022.   Branches need to be aware that allocated seating is only in the Windsor Hall.

Creche Facilities/Prayer Room

If a member at conference requires crèche facilities or a room for prayer we will try our best to facilitate this request if advance notice is given. Please send any requests to conferences@cwu.org

Any queries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256 or by email to conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

A P Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

22LTB041 – Annual Conference – 24th-29th April 2022.doc

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CWU ‘Low Level Letterbox’ Campaign:

This is an update for Postal Branches on the continuing work and campaigning being undertaken by the Health, Safety & Environment department on this important subject, further to LTBs 98/19 and 142/2019, as well as in response to enquiries received regarding new housing developments which have low level letter boxes fitted.

The Communication Workers Union, on behalf of postmen and women, has campaigned to stop low-level letter boxes being installed in new-build houses for many years.

In January 2019, following meetings and briefings in Westminster, Chelmsford MP Vicky Ford introduced a Private Members’ Bill in the UK Parliament, in support of the CWU campaign. The Bill, namely the ‘Low-Level Letter Boxes (Prohibition) Bill was heard before a full House of Commons on Wednesday 16 January 2019. The Bill was supported by all political parties and was unanimously accepted by the Government and MPs. Mrs. Ford subsequently withdrew the Bill, on the basis of an undertaking given by Government that they accepted the Bill’s intention and that it would be referred to the Building Regulations Advisory Committee who would include low-level letter boxes within their upcoming formal review of Building Regulations.

Following the first reading of the Bill, the Minister at the time Kit Malthouse MP was very supportive and committed the Government to prompt attention to the matter.

Since then however, progress has been painstakingly slow and of course the interruptions of ‘Brexit’ and the ‘Covid-19 Pandemic’ have indeed slowed that progress further.

See attached copy of the most recent letter received from the current Minister Lord Greenhalghfor your information. 

Although words of support from the Minister feature in the response to our ongoing representations, further in built delays in progressing the necessary Building Regulations changes are extremely disappointing.

Three years have gone by since MP Vicky Ford’s Bill was passed in the House of Commons with no material progress since then and now the present Minister Lord Greenhalgh, Minister of State for Building Safety, Fire and Communities, states that the ‘Low Level Letter Boxes’ issue is part of a research project, which will obviously add further to the delays!

That could mean another two years of delay – once the research project is completed, report considered, ministerial and Parliamentary scrutiny completed, regulatory amendments and sign off etc. That’s not good news for the CWU and our postal delivery worker members.

The Government’s target is for housing supply to reach 300,000 new homes built per year by the mid 2020’s.

With no ‘mandatory’ regulation controlling it in place, tens, possibly hundreds of thousands of those homes could potentially be built with low level letter boxes which cause so many problems for Royal Mail delivery workers.

On behalf of the CWU, the Health, Safety and Environment Department has had to challenge and fight each of these developments, brought to our attention on a piecemeal basis with representations to the local authorities, lobbying counsellors and local MPs, challenging developers and builders etc., hoping they’ll accept our case and change their plans. We have won a number of these battles to our great credit but it’s hard going at times and hard to keep pace with these home building developments which are sprouting up everywhere across the UK.

We’ve made it clear to the Minister again, that in the view of the CWU, there is no need for further research on this subject matter by the Ministry, as it has already been done by the EU in the past and this resulted in European Standard (EN13724) which sets a minimum height of 70cm for letter boxes (2 feet 3½ inches). There’s really no case for or good reason for further research to be repeated.

The current European Standard covering Private Letter Boxes sets out and specifies for ergonomic and safety reasons the height, positioning and design of letter boxes in order that the safe delivery of mail can be made by postal workers and others without the risk of injury.

EN 13724 ‘Postal Services – Apertures Of Private Letter Boxes And Letter Plates’ specifies the requirements and the test methods of the apertures for the delivery of letter post items when fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. It takes into account security, impregnability, safety, ergonomics and performance for the recipient, and safety, ergonomics and efficiency for postal delivery personnel. It allows the daily delivery in good condition of a great majority of post items.

As a matter of information, it’s been the law in the Republic of Ireland since 1 January 2001!

We are going to have to let the process run its course and participate in the consultation when it takes place – then live in hope that the delays in getting an end result by way of legislative amendment are not substantial, although past experience of Parliamentary processes tells us otherwise.

The Minister’s closing remarks and warm words that; “Postal workers’ safety in the review of building regulations is included as part of Government’s commitment in bringing about the biggest improvement in building and fire safety for a generation” – are of course welcomed – but the big question remains – when will we see the needed legislative changes?

At least we are making progress, all be it slowly. We will continue our campaigning and keep the pressure on Government at every opportunity. Branches will continue to be updated.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB040 CWU ‘Low Level Letterbox’ Campaign

12290100

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