Royal Mail: Sports and Social Clubs – RM Decision to Stop Subscriptions from Payroll – DRP Registered

Royal Mail: Sports and Social Clubs – RM Decision to Stop Subscriptions from Payroll – DRP Registered

Further to LTB 074/26 dated 6^th March 2026, Branches are advised that management have refused to accept that the Point of Principle in respect of this issue is appropriate to a DRP. They argue that “it is not a negotiable matter” and that they are simply adhering to their own policy, that allows them to cease the subscriptions from payroll.

We naturally disagree with the position outlined above, as the unilateral decision by Royal Mail impacts detrimentally on the Sports & Social Clubs, as well as thousands of our members right across the entire company.

Consequently, due to the unacceptable obstacles put in the way of our DRP, we have escalated the Point of Principle disagreement to Kieran Judd, Chief People Officer, with the aim of entering meaningful negotiations. At the time of writing this LTB, we are awaiting a reply.

We continue to receive distressing emails from Club Secretaries/Committees, all of whom are extremely worried about these unwelcome developments. In fact, without exception, they all report that the ill-conceived actions of Royal Mail will seriously jeopardise the future wellbeing, and potentially the existence of the clubs.   Additionally, concerns have been received from Branches about the future status of subscriptions from payroll to both Credit Unions & Gyms.

As a reminder the justification from Royal Mail is “simplification” of the payroll systems; however, the current arrangements have been in place for tens of years and there is absolutely no reason why Royal Mail cannot do the right thing by continuing with the arrangements that everyone is happy with.

Essentially, Royal Mail has managed to create upset amongst both club members and the volunteers who run these clubs for the benefit of our members. It can only be hoped that common sense will prevail and that Royal Mail makes a revised decision that supports the Sports & Social Clubs.

In the meantime, Branches are encouraged to proactively engage with the local clubs and to advise them we are doing everything possible to reverse this decision. The clubs are also urged to write to payroll objecting to the changes planned.

Further developments will be reported.

Any queries in relation to this LTB should be directed to Samantha Nicholas at snicholas@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey 

Assistant Secretary 

LTB 086/26 – RM Sports and Social Clubs – Decision to Stop Subs from Payroll

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