Young Workers Conference Motion Writing Workshops 

Young Workers Conference Motion Writing Workshops 

In preparation for this year’s National Young Workers Conference, taking place in Manchester on 21st October 2026, the Union is facilitating two motion writing workshops taking place on the below dates.

The purpose of these workshops is to help branch young worker officers prepare motions for conference by developing an understanding of how motions should be worded, what issues comprise suitable topics for the young worker conference and how the process of debating, voting and implementing a motion is a core part of the Union’s democracy.

The sessions will be delivered via zoom by Joyce Stevenson from the Standing Orders Committee and Kerry Fleck, Young Workers Co-ordinator.  They are open to all CWU members aged 30 or under who are considering attending conference and are interested in submitting a motion, they do not need any prior knowledge or materials but should consider some topics for a possible motion in advance.

Workshop 1:  Wednesday 2nd September 1pm
Workshop 2: Wednesday 2nd September 7pm

Branches can Register participants via this link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/LbEv0YbxYz

Branches are further reminded of the below deadlines relating to the Young Worker Conference and encouraged to urgently sign-up delegates to facilitate organisation.

Young Worker Conference Motion Deadline: 21st September (12noon)

Young Worker Conference Delegate Registration Deadline: 9th October

All details related the Conference are located in LTB215/26 (https://www.cwu.org/ltb/ltb-215-26-cwu-young-workers-conference-wednesday-21st-october-2026/ )

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Kerry Fleck by email to kfleck@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Kerry Fleck
Young Workers Co-ordinator

26LTB235 – YOUNG WORKERS CONFERENCE MOTION WRITING WORKSHOPS

TRUTH ABOUT ZANE CAMPAIGN – VICTORY FOR JUSTICE

TRUTH ABOUT ZANE CAMPAIGN – VICTORY FOR JUSTICE

Branches will be aware that the CWU has supported a campaign called Truth About Zane for many years. Following a tragic incident which occurred in 2014, whereby 7-year-old Zane Gbangbola died following flooding across the UK.

After floodwater entered the basement of Zane’s home in Chertsey, Surrey, Zane and his father lost consciousness. Zane’s father Kye survived but now lives with paralysis however young Zane tragically lost his life. Since then, the fight for the truth regarding the real cause of Zane’s death has raised high profile interest from across the political and media world.

Zane’s death was registered as being caused by carbon monoxide pump which was alleged to have been used to pump flood water from the home. However, emergency services at the scene recorded levels of Hydrogen Cyanide. Leading to emergency government COBRA meetings and specialists from the military Science and Technology laboratory in Porton Down attending the scene and securing the area for a number of months.

In the search for answers, Zane’s parents met with a number of whistle blowers and journalists who discovered that the land around their home had previously been used for military testing.

For over 12 years, the family have fought for answers with the full support of the CWU and other trade unions. The fundamental demand from the campaign has remained for a full independent panel Inquiry.

We are now pleased to confirm that the government has now granted this, indeed it has been strengthened to a Non-Statutory Public Inquiry incorporating the provisions of the Hillsborough Law, The Public Authority Accountability Act. The panel will now be able to access all redacted documents and information surrounding this tragic case and the

supporters of the campaign are confident the family will now achieve the justice they deserve.

Further details on the government announcement to parliament can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/non-statutory-inquiry-into-death-of-zane-gbangbola-to-be-established

The family have specifically asked us that we publicly thank our branches for their continuing support.

Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the General Secretary’s office aobrien@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary

26LTB234 TRUTH ABOUT ZANE CAMPAIGN VICTORY FOR JUSTICE

Election of: Parcelforce Worldwide Area Health & Safety Representative and Substitute Area Health & Safety Representative 2026 – Central Region

Election of: Parcelforce Worldwide Area Health & Safety Representative and Substitute Area Health & Safety Representative 2026 – Central Region

The elections for the two positions above were originally held in January 2026. Following an issue that has come to light regarding the nomination process, the election for these two posts is now being re-held.

Therefore, nominations are invited from Branches with Members in the Central Parcelforce Worldwide region (including members in RMSS) for the following:

  • Parcelforce Worldwide Area Health & Safety Representative.
  • Substitute Parcelforce Area Health & Safety Representative.

The term of office for the above positions concludes in March 2028 and the date of commencement will be notified following the conclusion of these elections. Candidates should, however, be aware that the above positions have been under review for some time by the CWU & Parcelforce and therefore the term of office may be subject to change.

A Nomination form is attached to this LTB. All branch nominations must be agreed at a properly constituted branch meeting. Branches must also ensure they adopt the ‘Branch best practice’ for nominations as outlined in LTB 197/26 circulated on 10 July 2026. Nomination forms must be signed by the Branch Secretary and Branch Chair (or accredited deputies) and the nominee. Completed forms must be returned by email, to the following email elections@cwu.org  by 30th September 2026 (14.00). 

The timetable for the election is as follows:

Nominations Open:                        24thAugust 2026

Nominations Close:                        30thSeptember 2026 (14.00)

If Ballots are required, branches will be advised of the timetable in due course.  Any ballots will be conducted on an individual member ballot basis of the relevant eligible CWU members and will be conducted in accordance with the election guidelines for CWU Senior Regional/Field officials. A copy of the guidelines is attached for information.

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Lisa Parrett on telephone number 020 8971 7222, or email address lparrett@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh
Deputy General Secretary (P)

LTB 233.26 – Election of Parcelforce Worldwide Area Health & Safety Representative and Substitute Area Health & Safety Representative 2026 – Central Region

Attachment 1 – Consent Bio Form

Attachment 2 – Nomination Form Central Region

Attachment 3 – PFW Area H&S and Sub Election Guidelines 2026

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National Network Review (Network 26) Update – Deployment Date

National Network Review (Network 26) Update – Deployment Date

Further to LTB 118/26 Monday 14thSeptember 2026 has been agreed as the target deployment date for the National Network Review (Network 26).

The aim will now be to ensure that any outstanding issues are resolved, through the IR Framework if necessary, and duty sets and re-picks are concluded where possible in readiness for the deployment date. The NWG will remain available to offer advice and assistance where necessary.

Branches and representatives are requested to ensure that our Network members are made aware of the contents of this LTB at the earliest opportunity.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: jrodrigues@cwu.org  or jmansell@cwu.org  quoting reference LTB 232/26.

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary

LTB 232.26 – National Network Review (Network 26) Update Deployment Date

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New Course: Countering the Far-Right – 12th to 14th October 2026, Quorn Grange, Loughborough

New Course: Countering the Far-Right – 12th to 14th October 2026, Quorn Grange, Loughborough

The purpose of this LTB is to advise branches that a new course ‘Countering the Far Right’ has been designed for the benefit of our representatives.

The first course will take place on:

Date/Time: Monday 12th October, start Midday – Wednesday 14th October, finish Midday 

Venue: Quorn Grange Hotel, 88 Wood Lane, Loughborough, LE12 8DB

The course will focus on a number of areas designed to better equip representatives with mis-truths, difficult conversations in the workplace and more.

If you wish to attend the training, please contact your branch, applications should be made via the Portal by the 14th September 2026.  

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be directed to courseadmin@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson 
Head of Equality, Education & Development

26LTB 231- New Course Countering the Far-Right – 12th to 14th October 2026 Quorn Grange Loughborough

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Royal Mail Group – Severe Weather Guidance Updated Version (v2.3)

Royal Mail Group – Severe Weather Guidance Updated Version (v2.3)

Dear Colleagues,

The purpose of this LTB is to advise Branches, Representatives and members alike of an updated version of the RMG Severe Weather Guidance, which reflects previous and ongoing discussions held with Royal Mail to date.

As a means of background, we have been in discussions with Royal Mail on seeking enhancements to its overall Severe Weather Guidance, which is the Royal Mail Group’s primary safety document designed to address all-year-round severe weather conditions, but with recent focus obviously covering the ongoing spell of extreme heat.

Whilst updated versions of the Severe Weather Guidance have been issued to CWU Safety Reps during this period of discussions to ensure enhancements made are communicated at the time, and following the former RMG Severe Weather Guidance (v1.0) issued last year. For direct reference, please find attached to this LTB the latest version of the guidance.

All Representatives (both Safety and IR) are encouraged to make themselves familiar with the full details of this Severe Weather Guidance, but particular attention is drawn to the following details:

  • The Severe Weather Guidance covers all operations, functions, and business units and should be used by all managers who have line manager responsibility.
  • The guidance supports Royal Mail’s duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc, Act 1974, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which require the assessment and control of risks arising from severe weather conditions, including extreme heat.
  • The guidance is clear on the matter of CWU Workplace Safety Representatives (WSRs) and Area Safety Representatives (ASRs) consultation around severe weather assessments, including involvement in the severe weather twice-a-year preparation checklist activity.
  • It outlines the inclusion of UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Alerts as part of the overall Severe Weather Guidance.
  • It confirms the need and requirement for advanced and individual support for members at increased risk due to extreme heat, alongside outlining an initial list of examples of such groups of individuals.
  • It confirms that all managers who have line manager responsibility should subscribe for email notifications from both the MET Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
  • It confirms that a Severe Weather Manager Assessment (SWMA) and duty adjustments are required at the point of a UKHSA Yellow Alert in the case of heat, for members at increased risk.
  • It confirms that a SWMA and duty adjustments are required for all other members at the point of a UKHSA Amber and Red Alert, and MET Office Amber and Red Warnings, in the case of heat.
  • It confirms that all managers who have line manager responsibility must brief staff when there is a UKHSA Yellow Alert and MET Office Yellow warning. It confirms that a Severe Weather Manager Assessment and duty adjustments are required at the point of a UKHSA Amber and Red Alert, and MET Office Amber and Red Warnings, in the case of other severe weather conditions. With the temporary stoppage of all outdoor activities in the case of a Red Alert/Warning against other weather conditions.
  • It further confirms that in the case of all individuals who fall under the ‘Person Specifically at Risk’ process (disability, young person, new or expectant mother), the impact of all types of severe weather should be considered in their risk assessment.
  • It offers a list of duty adjustments and controls applicable against different types of weather conditions and covers both indoor and outdoor working. It includes the provisions of additional breaks with workload adjustments to support these breaks being taken in the case of heat.
  • It confirms that all managers who have line manager responsibility must communicate to staff what they need to do during the period of severe weather and keep a record of what was briefed.
  • It confirms the need to make staff aware that they need to apply Dynamic Risk Assessments and are empowered to make decisions such as returning to their unit/not attempting to make a delivery or collection at a given location/s, in severe weather conditions.
  • The guidance confirms that in the case of RED Warnings/Alerts from the MET Office or UKHSA, a national level urgent meeting will be held to review and agree further required actions.
  • The guidance outlines that a central database will record all submitted Severe Weather Manager Assessments in the case of MET Office or UKHSA Warnings/Alerts. This database will be shared with the CWU nationally for onward circulation to CWU ASRs to support confirmation of the mandatory application of these severe weather assessments.
  • In summary, it confirms the direct requirement for an assessment and adjustment in working arrangements linked to the outlined levels of UKHSA and MET Office Alerts and Warnings. This means that when such levels of Alerts and Warnings are in place, risk reduction controls must be put in place locally and clearly communicated.

Whilst our discussions to date have resulted in enhancements to the former Severe Weather Guidance issued last year, our talks continue, in particular, in relation to the matter of Red MET Warnings and UKHSA Red Alerts covering heat, which remains an area of disagreement between us and RMG.

Accordingly, both parties have now agreed to escalate these discussions upwards with the aim of seeking to establish common ground on this point, but in the absence of any wider Health and Safety regulations covering a maximum indoor and outdoor working temperature.

It is hoped that the circulation of this most up-to-date version of the RMG Severe Weather Guidance will offer further assistance to Branches, our Representatives and members in dealing with this current and unprecedented spell of extreme heat, alongside other severe weather conditions going forward.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be referred to the DGS(P) Department, email address: Hford@cwu.org or ACorbett@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 230-26 – Royal Mail Group Severe Weather Guidance Updated Version v2.3

Severe Weather Guidance v2.3

SHE Huddle Message – Increased Risk In Extreme Heat_Severe Weather Guidance (v2.3)

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Current UK Wildfire risks & UKHSA Guidance

Current UK Wildfire risks & UKHSA Guidance

Dear Colleagues,

An “exceptional” wildfire risk has been declared across many parts of the UK.

The National Fire Chiefs Council has recently declared that firefighters have responded to 185 wildfires in the first 10 days of August alone, while July was the busiest month on record for wildfires with 458 incidents in England and Wales.

Fire Chiefs warn of sustained wildfire pressures as drought spreads across England and Wales – NFCC

In Scotland, Very High-Risk alerts remain for Eastern Highlands and Eastern and Southern Scotland as of the 13th of August 2026.

News | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

In Northern Ireland, the Wildfires Action Plan to 2030 has been introduced through a multi-agency approach as part of the Wildfires Strategic Framework to tackle the increasing threat of wildfires.  Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service wildfire action plan

UK Wildfire Risk Map

The Moorland Association has used open-source data alongside expert analysis to map the risk threat in each parliamentary constituency. This covers all parliamentary constituencies across the whole of the UK and branches are encouraged to examine the current wildfire risks in your area. This very useful live risk map can be viewed via the link below.

UK wildfire risk map

What counts as a wildfire?

A wildfire is any uncontrolled vegetation fire serious enough to require an emergency response.  Typically, they include fires covering at least a hectare of land (approximately the size of 2 rugby pitches), with flames over 1.5 metres high.

Should I wear a face mask?

According to the UKHSA ( UK Health Security Agency – wildfires), face masks such as surgical masks are not usually recommended as they do not necessarily protect against all the pollutants that may be present in the smoke.

Emergency actions to take if you see a wildfire

  • Move to a safe location away from the fire.
  • Call 999 immediately, do not assume someone else has already reported it.
    Use the Ordnance Survey App Ordnance Survey UK national mapping  or what3words  ways to use what3words To give an accurate location.
  • Wait at a safe, agreed location if requested and provide emergency services with further details.
  • Do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself.
  • Do not travel to the area of a wildfire, as this may slow the emergency response.
  • Wildfires often occur during dry periods, and the smoke and ash from such fires can affect respiratory conditions. If wildfire smoke is affecting air quality in your area, keep windows and doors closed.
  • Always follow the advice of emergency services and local authorities, including any instruction to evacuate or stay indoors with windows closed.

Always remain aware – wildfires rapidly approach and can easily consume your imagination. However, the number one cause of death from fires is smoke inhalation.

What’s in wildfire smoke?

Wildfire smoke is a mixture of thousands of individual compounds, including harmful particles and gases that pose a severe health risk to anyone (including pets) nearby and downwind from a fire. Wildfires can lead to a range of health impacts, including injuries, respiratory and cardiovascular effects from smoke exposure. The UKHSA have produced guidance from UKHSA scientists to provide a health impact overview of wildfires within the UK. This UKHSA document is provided with this LTB.

When to use a Dynamic Risk Assessment

A Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) is a rapid, real-time process of identifying and evaluating new or changed hazards during a work task and making immediate decisions to reduce risk and prevent harm. The concept of dynamic risk assessment is particularly useful in settings where the level of risk is subject to variation and where people often need to make quick decisions to manage that risk.

Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 can be applied individually by a worker who reasonably believes they face serious and imminent danger.

According to the latest available revised legislation (updated to November 2025) from the UK government’s official legislation site, Section 44 is very much in force and remains part of current law.

This LTB is shared on behalf of CWU Central Services.

If you have any questions or need any further information, please contact:

Jamie McGovern FRSPH MIIAI 

CWU Health & Safety Policy Assistant at jmcgovern@cwu.org

UKHSA HECC-report–wildfires and health

LTB 229 26 Current UK Wildfire risks UKHSA Guidance

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UKHSA Partial Solar Eclipse – General Risk Prevention advice 

UKHSA Partial Solar Eclipse – General Risk Prevention advice 

Dear Colleagues,

The UKHSA UK Health Security Agency – GOV.UK has issued health prevention advice for Wednesday 12 August 2026, this is when a partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of the UK.

How to watch the solar eclipse safely this summer – UK Health Security Agency

This event will cover the widest area of the UK since the 1999 Solar Eclipse.

Following the 1999 total solar eclipse, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists reported 70 cases of people reporting vision loss within 2 days of the event.

Serious eye problems such as solar retinopathy can occur and although in mild situations vision can recover over time without medication, in extreme cases this can lead to irreversible eye damage or eyesight loss.

There is wide public health guidance available, aimed at encouraging safe viewing of this partial eclipse event.

12 August 2026 partial solar eclipse | Royal Observatory Greenwich

Moorfields Eye Hospital surgeon gives tips on staying safe during the solar eclipse

If you choose to observe the eclipse, it is important that all the following precautions are followed without exception.

Before the Eclipse

Obtain certified eclipse viewing glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.

Inspect eclipse glasses for scratches, tears, punctures, or other damage.

Ensure all participants understand the risks of viewing the Sun without protection.

During the Eclipse

Always wear approved eclipse glasses when looking at the Sun.

Do not use

Ordinary sunglasses

Smoked glass

CDs/DVDs

Camera film

Binoculars without solar filters

Telescopes without solar filters

When Using Optical Equipment

Binoculars, telescopes, cameras, and spotting scopes must be fitted with a special solar filter mounted on the front of the device.

Never look through optical equipment while wearing eclipse glasses alone, as concentrated sunlight can cause severe eye injury.

Emergency Actions

If anyone experiences: blurred vision, blind spots, distorted vision or eye discomfort following the eclipse viewing please seek medical advice from an eye care professional as soon as possible.

Children should be always supervised.

The Royal Observatory be broadcasting a free, safe live feed of the 12th of Augustpartial solar eclipse online.

Partial Solar Eclipse UK Live Stream | 12 August 2026

This LTB is shared on behalf of CWU Central Services.

If you have any questions or need any further information, please contact:

Jamie McGovern FRSPH MIIAI 

CWU Health & Safety Policy Assistant at jmcgovern@cwu.org.

LTB 228 26 UKHSA Partial Solar Eclipse – General Risk Prevention advice

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Severe Heat: Weather Warning Issued 11th August to 14th August 2026 (parts of the UK)

Severe Heat: Weather Warning Issued 11th August to 14th August 2026 (parts of the UK)

Further to previous LTBs recently issued covering Severe Heat Weather Warnings and Sun Safety messages, the purpose of this LTB is to confirm that a UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency) Heat Health Alert has been issued across parts of the UK.

A UKHSA Amber Alert will be in place for Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East, London, South West and North West regions from 9am on Tuesday 11th August to 9pm on Friday 14th August. The North East will be under a UKHSA Yellow Alert during the same period.

It is also understood that this alert remains under review and may move to a Red Alert during the course of the week.

Accordingly, Branches, Safety Representatives and members are reminded of the details and guidance set out in LTB 182/26, which is attached.

Additionally, the following key messages are also being re-issued:

  • Vulnerable Workers

Risk assessments and duty adjustments are required at the point of an UKHSA Yellow Alert and/or MET Office Amber Warning for vulnerable workers with underlying health issues, and including individuals with disability, young person, new or expected mothers and those aged 60 and older.

  • Severe Weather Manager Assessment (SWMA)

All managers who have line manager responsibility should undertake a SWMA (Severe Weather Manager Assessment) in the case of UKHSA and/or MET Office Warnings and Alerts. This should include communicating to staff what they need to do during the period of severe heat, alongside keeping a record of what was briefed.

  • Personal Judgement – Dynamic Risk Assessment

Under UKHSA Amber and Red Alerts and MET Office Amber and Red Warnings for heat, individual members are able to apply Dynamic Risk Assessments and are empowered to make decisions such as suspending their delivery, collection or duty, to an address, part of their duty, or the whole duty where conditions deteriorate.

Equally, anyone feeling unwell during the course of the day should stop work and return to their unit/office/depot etc.

  • Stay Safe in the Sun Message

The Sun Safety core messages are: –

  • Cover Up – The most effective barrier.
  • Protect your head – Wear a wide brimmed hat.
  • Use sunscreen – Factor 30 or higher and reapply.
  • Seek shade – Take breaks in the shade.
  • Stay hydrated – Drink regularly and avoid caffeine.
  • Skin safe – Check for any changes.

Area Safety Reps/Workplace Safety Reps’ Actions

  • Ensure Severe Weather Manager Assessments (SWMAs) are undertaken against the UKHSA and/or MET Office Warnings and Alerts and that appropriate “fit for purpose” risk control actions are in place. These assessments should include CWU ASR/WSR involvement and consultation, which is part of the overall SWMA process.
  • Where units/locations are unable to agree a safe operational plan and complete the Severe Weather Risk Assessment, this should be escalated to the Regional Operations Directors (or functional equivalents) and CWU Divisional Reps or field official for resolution, and as detailed in the Joint Statement linked to LTB 182/26.
  • Ensure all staff are aware and feel able to make personal judgements throughout the day and return to the unit/workplace if at any time they feel unwell due to the heat and intense sunlight.
  • Ensure that all vulnerable workers with underlying health issues are individually risk assessed to ensure their health and wellbeing is protected whilst working in the current weather.

Additionally, it is further relevant to remind members that workers are protected under Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, allowing them to remove themselves from situations where they reasonably believe there is a serious and imminent danger, and again outlined in LTB 182/26.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be referred to the DGS(P) Department, email address: hford@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 227.26 – Severe Heat Weather Warning Issued 11th August to 14th August 2026 (Parts of the UK)

LTB 182.26 Red and Amber Alert

LTB 182.26 Att 1 JS – Royal Mail and Communication Workers Union

LTB 182.26 Att 2 SHE Alert FY26 007 Severe Weather Extreme Heat

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Guidance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence [AI] Applications and Data Protection

Guidance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence [AI] Applications and Data Protection

The purpose of this LTB is to issue important guidance to all CWU Branches in using AI applications when carrying out their trade union functions.

The proliferation of consumer AI products [such as Claude, Gemini, Copilot and ChatGPT etc] has become widespread in recent times, and there is every indication this trend will continue as these applications are often now commonly available on PCs, laptops and mobile phones.

There is no doubt that this development is controversial for many reasons, not least its harmful effects on CWU members where it has been introduced by employers and the labour market generally.

AI applications are promoted on the basis that they can increase efficiency and assist to make tasks less onerous and time consuming, such as by summarising or distilling a substantial document.

So, there may be an inclination to consider their use when confronted with, for example:

  • An employer HR Policy
  • A tribunal judgment
  • An occupational health report
  • An employer’s disciplinary or grievance decision
  • Lengthy email chains or documents.

These are just a small number of potential uses and there are likely to be other ways that AI may be able to assist with what might be considered laborious tasks – especially so when we all seem to have more to do with less time available.

While trade unions will of course want to innovate and utilise the latest technology in support of their members, it has been well documented that AI search results are notoriously unreliable.  They are prone to ‘hallucinations’ which involves their output being inaccurate, misleading or fabricated, and this should always be taken into account. 

From a data protection standpoint, it is vitally important that we never paste members’ personal data into AI tools.

This is because once this is done, the CWU loses sovereignty over this data. AI applications reserve the right to store all data submitted and furthermore, to use that data to improve the service. They reserve the right to use all data submitted to ‘train’ the application and there is a strong likelihood that it will appear in the public domain and be open to other users of the application.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) says that ‘personal data’ means any information relating to a person who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that person.

Therefore, the scope of ‘personal data’ is very wide and while anonymisation or redaction may offer a solution, a combination of factors, when taken together, could make a person identifiable. For example, by referring to an attendance pattern and a workplace location, we could make a specific person identifiable.

It is even more important in the case of trade union members because a person’s status as a trade union member is considered ‘Special Category Data’, and as such requires a heightened level of privacy, confidentiality and security.

The CWU is obliged, both regulatorily and morally, to treat our members’ data with the utmost caution and security, while at the same time continuing to carry out all the functions that trade unions have always done so well.   Developments in new technology can bring benefits as well as risks, but if we proceed with caution and consideration at all times then we can avoid any potential harm to the union.

If you have any questions or comments on the above, please feel free to contact Denis Lenihan dlenihan@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely 

Bill Taylor  
Head of Research

LTB No.226-26 Branch guidance on AI and data protection

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