POL/CWU – Driving Safely in Bright Sunlight and Sun Glare Conditions – Driver and Road Safety: Joint Communication:

Following discussions with the Post Office Ltd Driver and Road Safety Team, a Joint Communication is being issued to all POL commercial fleet and company car drivers. See copy attached for your information which is based on guidance developed by the AA and RAC.

Every driver has a responsibility to drive with due care and attention. Drivers must be alert for anything that may affect their ability to do just that. Whilst many drivers are sensible when it’s sunny and put sunglasses on for example, remove any shiny objects from the dashboard and lower the sun visor to help avoid unnecessary glare, quite a few drivers don’t. Drivers need to be mindful to drive with care and attention in all conditions.

However, the official regulations are that a driver can wear sunglasses while driving but it is not a legal requirement in to wear them in bright conditions but a driver could still be considered by police to be ‘driving without due care and attention’. However, we have no knowledge of any prosecutions to that effect since the revised Highway Code was introduced. So it’s not clear how likely this is, but it is worth noting that the Highway Code says that if you as a driver are dazzled by bright sunlight, you should slow down and if necessary stop your vehicle.

As glare is one of the primary causes of crashes it makes sense for drivers to wear sunglasses, providing they are suitable. They should not be too dark and should not be a style that could obscure peripheral vision as these could also land the driver in trouble with the law, technically speaking.

The AA motoring organisation guidance (the AA shares advice from the Optical Suppliers Association) states that your driving sunglasses should take a number of important factors into account such as a specialist driving lens or tint and if you wear glasses for driving on a daily basis, you should ask your optician about inserting prescription lenses in everyday sunglasses. Also, there is advice about ensuring the sunglasses carry the CE safety mark and meet EU Standard BS EN 1836:2005 which relates to the lens filters. They should keep your vision clear, the tint should not be too dark and everyday sunglasses might not be suitable for driving etc.

The RAC add that there are certain types of sunglasses that aren’t suitable for driving, which should never be worn when behind the wheel. Category four sunglasses are illegal to wear while driving as they let less than eight per cent of light through the lenses. Sunglasses must be labelled in the UK to show the ‘filter category number’.

Seven Important Driving Safely in Bright Sunlight and Sun Glare Conditions to Remember:

1. Keep the windscreen clean.
2. Slow down and drive to conditions.
3. Ensure the vehicle has sufficient screen wash.
4. Check wiper blades are in good condition.
5. Use sun visors.
6. Be extra aware of other road users who will be experiencing the same difficulties.
7. Wear suitable sunglasses.

Attachment:

POL/CWU Joint Communication – Driving Safely in Bright Sunlight and Sun Glare Conditions – Driver and Road Safety – June 2023

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB146 POL CWU – Driving Safely in Bright Sunlight and Sun Glare Conditions – Driver and Road Safety Joint Communication

POL-CWU Driving Safely in Bright Sunlight and Sun Glare ConditionsDrive…

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Men’s Health Week 12 – 18 June 2023:

Introduction

Between the 12^th and 18th June, the world acknowledges Men’s Health Week 2023.  This annual event is organised by the Men’s Health Forum and aims to raise awareness of preventable health problems that disproportionately affect men and encourage them to gain the courage to tackle their issues.

The Men’s Health Forum (MHF) is a charity supporting men’s health in the UK and the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department has worked closely with the charity for a number of years supporting their campaigns. The MHF has attended CWU Conference, presenting and speaking at the Health and Safety fringe meeting and has attended a number of regional meetings in the past.  We are pleased to see MHF strongly promoting Men’s Health Week again this year and we are happy to give our support.

Men’s Health Week Theme 2023 is ‘Men’s Health and the Internet’ and asks the question – “Is too much time spent on tech?”

The iPhone was born in 2007. Those born in the same year will turn 16 this year. They’ve grown up with a high-performance computer in their pocket. What are the implications for men’s health? That’s the central question MHF are looking at for this year’s Men’s Health Week. Clearly there are some health benefits to being able to access health information or deliver and receive health services online but what are the downsides? Read on for full details including on MHF’s new resources on internet-fuelled addictions.

The 2023 Men’s Health Week Theme is ‘Men’s Health and the Internet’ and asking the question: “Is too much time spent on tech?”  MHF say that in 2023, most of us are walking around with a high-performance computer in our pockets. Clearly, it‘s great to be able to access health information or receive health services online (and, of course, lots more besides) but what are the downsides?

MHF point out that one of the key chemical messengers in the brain dopamine. It creates feelings of pleasure and plays a role in concentration, memory and what we find interesting. In short, dopamine makes us feel good and we all like a hit of it from time to time.

But the smartphone is a dopamine-delivery device that is to hand 24/7. Every single app you use on it knows this full well and is designed to keep you using it. The potential for over-use is obvious. Even an ‘addiction’ to a pretty benign app is going to cost us time and the attention we could have devoted to more meaningful things.

But what about when it starts costing money, relationships, work?

MHF advise – ‘Take a Screen Break’ But there’s more that can be done.

A Message to Men

If you think you’re spending too much time on your tech (and even if you don’t), try the free CAN DO challengewhich can help.

• Use the MHF social media shares and posters MHW 2023: men’s health and the internet – take a screen break and also social media shares and posters for the CAN DO challenge
• The CAN DO challenge alone will benefit your mental wellbeing but if you want to give your mind a fuller MOT, get the MHF Man MOT For The Mind manual.
• There’s evidence that some addictions which particularly affect men have been made worse by 24/7 internet and smartphones. If you’re concerned about your gambling or porn-use, check out the two new MHF new manuals: ‘Wanna Bet’ and ‘Porn Free’.

Mens Health Forum (MHF) Message to Partners

• Get a discussion going in your workplace or organisation on the impacts of the smartphone and the internet on health. Perhaps use the MHF free Toolbox Talk.
• Use their social media shares and posters MHW 2023: men’s health and the internet – take a screen break and also social media shares and posters for the CAN DO challenge
• Ensure workplace colleagues have a copy of their free SWAP: the stress at work action plan
• If you want to take it further, buy copies of the Man MOT For The Mind manual, the manual which the SWAP supports
• Consider copies of the MHF Mini-Manuals – looking at key mental health challenges and other subjects.

Key Men’s Health issues:

If you’re worried about any of the following, see your GP without delay.

Men and Mental health 

According to the Mental Health Foundation, approximately 1-in-8 men have a common mental health problem such as anxiety, stress, or depression. When left unattended, these problems can worsen and be detrimental to those affected. This is highlighted in current statistics: for example, in the UK, 3 out of 4 suicides are men. Furthermore, suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45. These statistics underline the importance of removing the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, helping men reach out, talk about their problems and seek treatment. According to recent statistics, 40% of men won’t talk about their mental health with their friends or family. Therefore, the message is ‘don’t suffer in silence.’While the topic is becoming more prevalent with more awareness campaigns, there is still a need to help men feel comfortable enough to speak out about their mental health. There may not always be clear signs you’re dealing with a serious issue, not just a bad day. If your life satisfaction seems to have taken a knock or you are feeling like you want to be alone a lot, there could be more going on. Men often feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about their mental health. But the bravest thing you can do is tackle the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. You are not alone. Many other people are going through the same emotions and struggling to find the best way to cope. Some of the common signs and symptoms associated with mental illness: anger, irritability, or aggressiveness, noticeable changes in mood, difficulty sleeping, avoiding friends and social activities, constant low energy, drug or alcohol abuse, ignoring personal hygiene.

Fitness

If you’re unfit, you need to think about whether you’re taking enough exercise. Read the MHF ‘Get Fit’ section on the MHF website link below. (If you’re older, very overweight or have an existing health problem, check with your GP before starting an exercise programme.)

https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/fitness-basics-faqs

Weight    

The simplest guide to whether you’re carrying too much weight is your waist measurement. This gives you a fair idea of your risk regardless of height. Measure around your belly at the widest point – usually around your belly button: If your over 37 inches, you’re probably overweight and at increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer – check out the MHF ‘Get Fit’ section on the MHF Website link below. Over 40 inches, you could be obese and at serious risk of the conditions mentioned – talk to a GP or health professional. If you’re putting on weight, see the MHF ‘Get Fit’ section on the MHF Website link below. But if you have been losing weight for no apparent reason, it may be a sign of something serious, see your GP.

https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/fitness-basics-faqs

Prostate Cancer

Is there any change in how often you pee or how easy it is? Do you get up more often at night?  Peeing more often, especially at night, and less easily with a weaker flow can be signs of prostate enlargement. Further information on the MHF Website link: https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/questions-cancer-and-other-prostate-problems

Prostate enlargement is not necessarily a sign of cancer but it needs to be checked. Prostate Cancer UK have a simple cancer risk checker tool at this link: https://prostatecanceruk.org/risk-checker

Diabetes

Peeing more often, especially at night, along with being overweight, tiredness and sores healing more slowly, blurred vision may all be signs of diabetes. Get your blood sugar tested at the GP’s surgery.

Blood Pressure

You can get your blood pressure checked at the GP’s surgery – or you can buy a home-tester. Blood Pressure is given as two figures. The first is when the heart is contracting (systolic), the second when it is resting (diastolic). 120/70 would be fine for a young man. Once the systolic starts getting up towards 140 and/or the diastolic to 90, you need to monitor your blood pressure more often. Of course, any stress can raise your blood pressure temporarily but if you’re getting regular readings of 140/90 or more, see your GP without delay. The NHS also offers a more detailed ‘What’s Your Heart Age’ tool at this link:- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check/check-your-heart-age-tool/

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 20-35 but if caught in time it can be effectively treated and deaths are rare.

Bowel Cancer Screening 

Everyone aged 60 to 74 years who is registered with a GP and lives in the UK is automatically sent an NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Kit every 2 years. Make sure you take the test.  Caught early this cancer is treatable but left untreated it can and will kill!

Other Health ‘Warning Signs’

Check yourself all over for:

• moles changing shape (possible skin cancer),
• unexplained lumps,
• unexplained shortness of breath/breathing difficulties,
• unexplained pain (especially in the chest),
• swelling or itching,
• a cough that won’t go away,
• blood where it shouldn’t be (in saliva when you spit or stools when you defecate),
• changes in bowel habits (such as blood in stools, diarrhoea or constipation for no reason, a feeling of bloating or of not having fully emptied your bowels or pain in your stomach or back passage.)

If you have any of these talk to your GP.

Take advantage of NHS free check-ups

Most men aged 40-74 in England should be regularly invited for an NHS Health Check. It can help you spot upcoming heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, stroke and other health problems. If you haven’t been invited or haven’t had one for five years or more, ask your GP.

Key Statistics numbers for men:

• 37– a waist size of 37 inches or above puts you at increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
• 150– men should aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week.
• 5– we should aim to eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day.
• 14– maximum 14 units of alcohol a week.
• 10– cigarette smokers die 10 years younger on average than non-smokers.
• 120/80– normal blood pressure.
• 75– 75% of suicides (3 out of 4) are by men.

Key numbers for policy-makers and service providers:

• 1 man in 5 dies before the age of 65.
• 2 men in 5 die before the age of 75.
• 3 out of 4 suicides are by men.
• Men in unskilled work are 3 times more likely to take their own lives than men in senior management.
• The richest men live on average 10 years longer than the least well-off men. Richer area = longer life.

MHF MESSAGE: – One man in five dies before he is old enough to retire. Together, by knowing our numbers, we can change this statistic. 

How can you get involved? 

There are several ways you can get involved with supporting men’s health. You can also use this week to educate yourself and those around you. The Men’s Health Forum (MHF) have a vast array of downloadable material. These materials provide information about health issues that affect men in their everyday lives and can be used to help promote conversations/run events in your workplace.

Man MOT Manuals for Physical and Mental Health

MHF publishes two easy-to-use interactive ‘Man MOT manuals’ which go into this in more detail and provide tools to monitor physical and mental health;

• Man MOT
• Man MOT For The Mind
• Serious Drinking alcohol made easy, 
• ‘Wanna Bet’ gambling and men’s health (New)
• ‘Porn Free’ – pornography and men’s health (New)
• SEE THE FULL RANGE OF MINI-MANUALS on the MHS Webpage here:https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/man-manuals

Men’s Health Webinars – Two dates for your diary:

• Men and online harms – the Forum’s webinar with Dr Marcus Maloney from the University of Coventry. Marcus leads a discussion on ‘Boys, men, and ‘toxic’ communities’: Tuesday 13th June @ 2pm on Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
• Dr Hilary Jones – the Forum’s website editor Jim Pollard interviews the well-known GP in the Royal Voluntary Service’s Virtual Village Hall: Thursday 15th June @ 11am on Zoom. REGISTER HERE (on Facebook).

Further Information

For more information about Men’s Health Week, the MHF range of Men’s Health ‘Mini-Manuals’ and lots of information – visit the Men’s Health Forum website here: menshealthforum.org.uk 

Contact

The Men’s Health Forum
7-14 Great Dover Street
London, SE1 4YR
Tel: 0330 097 0654
Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk

Attachments:

• Men’s Health Week Leaflets and Posters to print off

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 145/23 – Men’s Health Week 12 – 18 June 2023

Att: mhw2023_posters_to print

Att: A5 leaflet 2023 for print

Att: cando_posters_generic

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• Labour Party Conference

ELECTION OF NATIONAL DELEGATIONS 2023 Labour Party Conference

Further to LTB 124/23, dated 19^th May 2023, please see below ballot results for the National Delegations which closed on the 7^th June 2023.

LABOUR PARTY – Postal Constituency

Lay Members  (4  Members to be elected)Paul BraithwaiteNorth Lancs & Cumbria55,968*ElectedHuw DaviesLondon Phoenix48,026*ElectedKeith HamiltonSouth Central Postal56,646*ElectedScott HartlesScotland No 240,523 Alan TateLondon Regional Motor Transport68,543*Elected

Please find attached a branch analysis of the ballot results.

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237, or email address sdgs@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

23LTB144

Ballot Returns

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POST OFFICE: JOINT STATEMENT – CROWN OFFICES SATURDAY OPENING HOURS

Branches are advised that Post Office and CWU have reviewed the opening hours of Crown offices which are open to the public on a Saturday.  Currently there are 109 branches which are open on a Saturday, 31 of which operate after 12:30 pm.  The review has taken into account customer footfall and feedback from our members and the consensus of opinion is to reduce the Saturday opening hours in 21 of the 31 branches.  The following Joint Statement has been agreed, detailing the branches concerned, which will now close at 12:30 pm:

Joint Statement – Saturday Opening Hours

Within the Directly Managed branch (DMB) network there are currently 109 branches that are open to customers on Saturday. Out of those 109 branches, there are 31 that are open past 12:30pm.

Post Office and CWU have reviewed these opening hours, taking into account customer footfall and feedback from colleagues, and would like to move forward with a proposal to reduce the opening hours in 21 of the 31 branches. This would mean that those branches detailed below would now close at 12:30pm in line with the other 78 branches open on Saturday.

Post Office has committed to working with Area CWU representatives for the branches affected to formulate new duty solutions. This work will commence in June with an aim for the new hours to take effect no later than 31 July. It is expected that hours will be reinvested back into the branch elsewhere in the week. The views of those impacted will be considered where possible when reallocating the hours back into branch.

Should you have any questions or comments regarding the above please speak to your line manager or CWU workplace representative.Branch NameProposed Saturday closing hoursBranch NameProposed Saturday closing hoursCosham12:30Dunraven Place12:30Southall12:30Glasgow12:30Brixton12:30Inverness12:30Islington12:30Paignton12:30Grimsby12:30Sunderland City12:30Hyde12:30The Markets12:30Rotherham12:30Belfast CityNo changeSheffield City12:30BirminghamNo changeStroud12:30Cambridge CityNo changeLeighton Buzzard12:30Edinburgh CityNo changePort Talbot12:30GloucesterNo changePortsmouth 12:30High Street (10)No changeWindsor12:30ManchesterNo changeSalford City12:30Milton KeynesNo changeBangor12:30OxfordNo change  St JohnsNo change

Pete Marsh                                                                   
Retail Operations Director Post Office                 

Andy Furey
A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

We have consulted with our full time Reps, all of whom support this initiative as the consensus view amongst our Reps is that this will be very popular with our members.  Added to which is the fact all hours will be recycled into the rest of the duties/week which means there are no cost savings directly attributed to this development.

Crucially the new duties will be subject to full negotiation with the Reps and the views of those impacted will be factored in wherever possible.

Any enquiries on the above should be addressed to Andy Furey, A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal) at lsheridan@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey

A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 141/23 – Post Office – Joint Statement – Crown Offices Saturday Opening Hours

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CAPITA TVL: PAY REVIEW 1^ST APRIL 2023 – JOINT STATEMENT

Branches are advised that a meeting took place between Capita TVL Management and CWU in relation to 2023 Pay negotiations (the pay review date is 1^stApril 2023) on Thursday 1^st June.  I was accompanied by Andy Hopping, Acting Assistant Secretary, and I am pleased to advise the meeting was constructive with both sides making a commitment for a prompt conclusion to this year’s pay negotiations.  The following Joint Statement has been agreed:

2023/24 Pay Claim

Dear Colleagues

Further to our recent communication on the progress of 2023 pay negotiations, we wanted to provide you with an update.

A further meeting took place between TVL Management and the CWU on Thursday 1 June 2023, which was productive and as always both sides shared their honest and open views. This covered proposals for colleagues in Field Ops, Support Services and Operations covered by the CWU Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Both Capita and the CWU are committed to concluding this year’s discussions as swiftly as possible and further meetings are being scheduled in an attempt to reach a mutually agreeable outcome.

We will of course ensure you are provided with regular updates. 

Regards

Ross and Andy

Ross McTaggart                                                           Andy Furey
Delivery Director                                                        Assistant Secretary CWU

Further meetings are being scheduled.  In addition an online meeting with our Capita TVL Representatives has been arranged for Thursday 8^th June to update them on the pay discussions.

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

Attachment 1: 23LTB143 Capita TVL – 2023 Pay Review 1st April 2023 – Joint Statement

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OPENREACH – Service Delivery (SD UK Ops and FTTP) `Customer Delivery Rate’

Note: The letter from the company contained within this LTB is In Confidenceand not for onward distribution. 

Service Delivery are introducing Customer Delivery Rate.  This is a new metric which will be across UK Ops and FTTP.

The aim is to fairly identify where Openreach SD can support their people further and create positive, holistic interventions to improve both their skills and knowledge.

The Customer Delivery Rate is a measure that can be used to show customer output at UK, Director, team and individual level and can be utilised alongside quality metrics such as Early Life Failure and Repeat Reports.  The primary focus is to deliver the best customer outcomes.

The detail is shared below:

• Customer Delivery Rate takes into account the complexity of the task based upon 12 months of historic data
• Using this, an output is established which is designed to recognise the complexity of the task
• Total time worked on tasks is included in the calculation
• Any time not spent on customer facing work is not included (e. – travel time is not included)
• Customer Delivery Rates are awarded for each job which is completed.

To be clear, there should be no reference to jobs per day, there is no jobs per day metric.

The Openreach National Team (NT) have also ensured that managers are not aware how the Customer Delivery Rate is worked out.  This has only been shared with the Openreach SD Data team, Pete Stewart, Surrinder Khatter, the ER team and the CWU NT.

The Patch Manager and Patch Lead ‘Coaching in Practice Workshop’ started across the country on 24 May and will run until 20 June.  You can see the attached slides that are being presented at each event.

CWU Regional Co-ordinators have been invited to each of these sessions to ensure consistency of message across the country.  The NT have also attended events.  The focus of the workshop is ‘how to have effective coaching conversations with your team to deliver excellent customer service’.  We have had really positive and encouraging feedback so far.

As you can see from the company letter ‘We are reducing the amount of data points our managers have access to, as the introduction of the Customer Delivery Rate is a culture change and we want managers to have conversations with individuals that is not based on background data.’

The NT will be working closely with the company on defining what data the managers receive.

The NT has requested and received a commitment to review and monitor any performance related cases.  Customer Delivery Rate should not increase the overall amount of performance related cases.

The first review period will take place after 3 months and then another after 6 months of implementation.  Should an earlier meeting be necessary due to the roll out, the company are willing to accommodate this.

The huddles will have a staggered approach across the country with the first commencing on 6 June.  Branches will be invited to the huddles by patch managers.

Any enquires regarding this LTB should be sent directly to me in the first instance.

Yours sincerely,

Fiona Curtis
Acting Assistant Secretary 

06.06.23 – LTB 142 – OPENREACH – Service Delivery (SD UK Ops and FTTP) `Customer Delivery Rate’.docx

LTB 142 – ATTACHMENT 1

LTB 142 – ATTACHMENT 2

LTB 142 – ATTACHMENT 3

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Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 012 – HGV Driving Safety – Loading Bay ‘Red Light’ Drive Off:

Introduction, Background and Description: 

Royal Mail Group’s Safety Team have issued RMG SHE Safety Flash FY23 012 following a number of vehicle ‘drive-offs’ being reported in various locations.  Amongst them, another incident occurred in which a Royal Mail HGV driver failed to follow the Safe System of Work and Operating Instructions. The driver arrived at Southampton Mail Centre to collect a load of York Containers. On arrival he entered the building with the Motive Unit vehicle keys. The keys were not hung on the loading dock/bay door as the key hook had been broken off and not replaced. Instead the driver retained the keys and went off on a break. When the driver returned to the vehicle he entered the cab, started the engine and drove off from a loading dock without checking that trailer loading had been completed and that the trailer doors were closed. The driver additionally drove off the loading dock whilst the ‘Red Light’ was still showing. Additionally, the hook within the trailer, used to hang loose straps on was broken and a loose strap from within the trailer was left outside of the trailer attached to a full York Container by the side of the loading dock door. When the vehicle and trailer drove off, the York was dragged forward, tipping over and crashing to the floor.

The Health and Safety Executive report that every year, there are over 5000 accidents involving transport in the workplace/yards. About 50 of these result in people being killed. The two main causes of injury are people falling off vehicles, or being struck or crushed by moving vehicles or loads.

Impact/Injuries: 

By good fortune alone, this incident ended as a ‘near-miss’ and there were no injuries to employees. Had there been staff on the dock and in the trailer at the time, a serious injury could have resulted. A ‘near-miss’ was recorded.

Key Messages, Learning Points and Drivers and PiC/Managers Actions: 

Drivers – 

• Always follow the process for loading bay management identified in yard safety rules.
• Always follow traffic light systems and do not drive away until it is certain that loading activity has been completed.
• Do not depart on a ‘Red Light’.
• If the Loading Bay has no ‘Key Hook Box’ report this to the loading bay manager and either leave the keys with the manager or Traffic Office or move to another loading dock/bay.
• Ensure that vehicles are secured with doors closed before moving off.
• Report faults via a PMT1 ‘Defect Report’ to ensure it receives attention by the RM Fleet Workshop.
• Missing, broken trailer strap hooks should be reported and repaired/replaced.
• Load restraining straps should always remain inside the vehicle/trailer. Never hook straps to York Containers that are outside the trailer.
• Drivers must complete the appropriate checks of trailers / rear of vehicles and ensure the dock leveller is retracted and vehicle and loading dock doors are closed prior to departing. Never assume loading has been completed.

Managers/PiCs – 

• When performing First Class Safety Conversations in yards, observe employees working safely around vehicles and trailers. Have conversations regarding good and bad practice.
• Make sure employees are annually briefed on the yard rules, the yard safety awareness video, Loading & Unloading Large Vehicles (Royal Mail Operations) SSOW v1.7.pdf (royalmailgroup.com).

• Agency staff need to be briefed on the site rules, SSoWs and collecting trailers, including any lock out procedure, i.e., keys hooked onto the roller door until vehicle and trailer is safe to go.
• Visiting drivers must be directed to the local manager before collecting trailers.
• PIC to review current vehicle key control procedures to ensure they are robust.
• PiC to review the key hooks on site, are they screwed into the bay doors, secure and maintained.
• Check all bays have key hooks at a minimum during bi-monthly unit safety inspections.
• Include correct vehicle control procedures being followed and check straps are not used or hung incorrectly/unsafely during first class safety conversations.
• Ensure the site has understood rules governing the safe movement of trailers to prevent drive-aways.
• PIC to ensure site and yard rules are communicated to all users including visiting drivers on arrival. Rules should also be clearly displayed in key locations.

CWU ASR/WSR Action:

• WSRs/ASRs please ensure that this Safety Flash is communicated and brought to the attention of all appropriate members/drivers and that actions above are deployed by PiCs/Managers.
• ASRs to concentrate attention to this matter during Workplace Safety Inspections and where necessary ensure a review of the SSoW deployment and monitoring.

Attachments: 

• Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 012 – HGV Driving Safety – Loading Bay ‘Red Light’ Drive Off.
• Loading & Unloading Large Vehicles (Royal Mail Operations) SSOW v1.7.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB140 Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 012 – HGV Driving Safety – Loading Bay ‘Red Light’ Drive Off

SHE Flash FY23 012 – Loading Bay Drive Off

Loading Unloading Large Vehicles (Royal Mail Operations) SSOW v1.7

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National Clean Air Day – Thursday 15 June 2023: Theme ‘Clean up our air to look after your mind this Clean Air Day’

Introduction: 

In the UK, air pollution is the largest environmental risk to public health. Clean Air Day is a global, annual, air pollution campaign in the month of June. It encourages everyone to think about what they can do to help improve air quality. Clean Air Day is in its seventh year, and the central aim is to help drive a positive shift in public knowledge and action. Clean Air Day is a chance to find out more about air pollution, share information, and make the air cleaner and healthier for everyone.

Clean Air Day takes place on the third Thursday in June and is the UK’s largest air pollution campaign, engaging thousands of people at hundreds of events across the nation, and reaching millions more through the media.

The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department is pleased to once again be supporting and promoting Clean Air Day.

Led in the UK by the charity ‘Global Action Plan’, the sustainability charity that co-ordinates Clean Air Day, the UK’s largest campaign on air pollution, Clean Air Day brings together communities, businesses, schools, groups and organisations plus the health sector to:

• Improve public understanding of air pollution.
• Build awareness of how air pollution affects people’s health.
• Explain the easy actions we can all do to tackle air pollution, helping to protect the environment and peoples’ health.

In past years, around 4,000 organisations and hundreds of thousands of individuals have taken part in hundreds of events across the UK. The campaign previously generated more than 2000 media items, and 45,000 social media posts. 95% of people surveyed supported the view that air pollution should be a priority for the UK.

“Clean up our air to look after your mind this Clean Air Day”

‘Global Action Plan’, have confirmed the 2023 ‘Clean Air Day’ campaign theme as “Clean up our air to look after your mind this Clean Air Day”. This year’s theme draws attention to the growing evidence base that shows air pollution can impact our mind and brain health. By taking clean air action on 15 June and every day, we are improving our air quality and reducing our risk of developing mental health and brain conditions.

Cleaning up our air is good for us in many ways: it not only benefits our physical health and the environment but can also protect our mental and brain health. The physical health impacts of air pollution – such as asthma, heart disease and cancers – have been recognised for decades. More recently, researchers are beginning to understand how air pollution can affect the brain and the mind.

People who breathe polluted air are more likely to develop mental health and brain conditions. Being exposed to air pollution is linked to mental health and brain conditions such as depression, anxiety and dementia. When a person breathes polluted air, small pollution particles can enter through the lungs, into the blood stream and can reach the brain.

This year’s campaign will encourage people to visit the Clean Air Hub to:

• Learn: find out more about how air pollution impacts our mental, physical and planet’s health.
• Act: walk, wheel or use public transport to reduce your exposure and contribution to air pollution. If you drive, try leaving the car behind on Clean Air Day and one day every week.
• Ask: get in touch with your local councillor to ask them to support clean air measures that make it easier for you to breathe clean air.

Air pollution harms the health of millions, but there are lots of simple things people and organisations can do to improve air quality and reduce our exposure to air pollution. Clean Air Day is a chance to raise awareness and find out more about air pollution (both indoor and outdoor), share information with friends, family, union members and work colleagues, and help to make the air cleaner and healthier for everyone.

According to official UK Government statistics, every year, air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK.  The annual mortality of human-made air pollution in the UK is roughly equivalent to between 28,000 and 36,000 deaths every year. It is estimated that between 2017 and 2025 the total cost to the NHS and social care system of air pollutants (fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide), will be £1.6 billion.

The World Health Organisation and the UK Government recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental health risk we face today. Poor air quality causes heart and lung diseases, is linked to low birth weight and children’s lung development and may even contribute to mental health issues.

The World Health Organisation states that breathing cleaner air reduces the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases such as asthma.

Air pollution can harm every organ in the body and shorten lives, contribute towards chronic illness and put people more at risk from infections when polluted air is breathed in as it can inflame the lining of the lungs and move into the bloodstream, affecting every organ in the body. This can lead to lung disease, heart disease, dementia and strokes.

Global Action Plan is communicating the primary action of walking short trips instead of driving which is a great way to reconnect with the local community, breathe cleaner air, get some exercise and improve personal health. The charity is also promoting many other clean air actions this year. The prioritisation of walking enables focus on an action that can have major impact.

The ‘Clean Air Hub’ – Clean Air Day Information & Resources

A collection of everything you need to know about air pollution is in one place from the organising charity ‘Global Action Plan’. The basic facts on air pollution, health, the organiser’s ‘Clean Air Calculator’, suggestions on what you can do and a range of ‘Clean Air Day’ free resources for England, Scotland and Wales are available here on these links:

• https://www.cleanairhub.org.uk/home
• https://calculator.cleanairhub.org.uk/quiz
• https://www.actionforcleanair.org.uk/campaigns/clean-air-day
• https://www.actionforcleanair.org.uk/campaigns/clean-air-day/campaign-and-community-groups

Workplace/Business Resources:

Also available to use on the organising charity ’Global Action Plan’ website is a collection of workplace resources to inspire workplaces to create cleaner air on and beyond Clean Air Day. Posters, leaflets, letters, texts, e-mail footer, pledge cards, ‘No-Idling’ leaflet, clean air travel, clean air travel choices, e-mail and intranet message, video conferencing background, press release, social media resources etc. These can be accessed at:

https://www.cleanairday.org.uk/free-resources/workplace

The Clean Air & Pollution Calculator

The Air Pollution Calculator, brought to you by Global Action Plan. This tool enables you to calculate how your activity contributes to pollution levels and learn how you can make a difference for Clean Air Day 2023 and beyond:

http://calculator.cleanairhub.org.uk/quiz

Air Pollution and Health Inequalities

Although air pollution can be harmful to everyone, some people are more affected because they live in a polluted area and are exposed to higher levels of air pollution. Big cities and towns experience greater pollution levels (particularly nitrogen dioxide). There’s more about air pollution & health inequalities on the ‘Clean Air Hub’:

https://www.cleanairhub.org.uk/

Air Pollution Monitoring Equipment – Offer to CWU Health and Safety Reps

The Greener Jobs Alliance (GJC) and Trade Union Clean Air Network (TUCAN) jointly took a share in the procurement of air pollution monitoring equipment with Global Action Plan (GAP). The Personal Aerosol Monitor is a miniature battery-operated laser photometer that measures airborne particle mass concentration in units of milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The equipment can measure to particulate matter of pm 2.5. TUCAN/GJA/GAP will loan the kit out to workplaces to support Trade Union Health and Safety Reps with workplace air pollution monitoring. Any CWU Health and Safety Rep interested in a loan of the equipment for a couple of weeks can email Janet Newsham (Chair Hazards Campaign & TUCAN) and Janet will schedule a time for you to use the equipment and from there hopefully produce some reliable, quotable, statistical evidence.

Contact details: Janet Newsham Chair Hazards Campaign/TUCAN

Email: janet@gmhazards.org.uk

Mob: 07734317158

Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) and Trade Union Clean Air Network (TUCAN) Newsletters.

The latest editions of the GJA and TUCAN Newsletters have been circulated attached via Letters To Branches 133/23 and 262/22.

Wales TUC – Greener Workplaces Toolkit For Union Reps (Written BY Graham Petersen)

The aim of this toolkit is to provide information to help union officers and reps who want to take action on the climate emergency and negotiate for greener and fairer workplaces. It is designed to support the voice of workers and their unions. It provides information, tools and ideas to help union reps to campaign, organise and raise awareness. It also includes negotiating and bargaining checklists on different areas of workplace sustainability. It aims to ensure that workers, through their unions, have a central voice in the changes that will be needed in every workplace to ensure a just transition to a greener and fairer workplace can be achieved. The resources in this booklet are designed to be used on TUC and union training courses, as well as to support green action (a copy is attached).

‘Air Pollution’ (Asthma and Lung UK) 

Asthma and Lung UK (formerly Asthma UK the British Lung Foundation) are appealing for personal and organisational help in promoting their campaign. They say “Air pollution is a health emergency. Across the UK it is at lethal levels and too little is being done to tackle it.”

The two campaigning charities point out the following:

• 36,000 early deaths attributed to air pollution every year in the UK.
• 1 in every 5 people will have a lung condition in their lifetime.
• 4 million people in the UK living with asthma.
• In the UK, respiratory care simply isn’t good enough.
• NHS hospital admissions for lung conditions are rising three times faster than average admissions.
• Lung disease is now the third most common cause of death, costing the NHS more than £9 billion every year. So this issue needs to be at the top of the health agenda.
• People living with lung conditions are often overlooked and being left behind. Their condition isn’t accurately diagnosed at an early stage – and even when they are diagnosed, they’re not given the care they need.

Asthma and Lung UK have launched a new strategy, committing to transform the nation’s lung health by challenging misconceptions about lung conditions, driving greater investment in respiratory research, and campaigning for cleaner air and better care for people with lung conditions such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The charity, which supports the 12 million people in the UK who will have a lung condition in their lifetime through its helpline, support groups, tailored website health advice and campaigning and research work, now has a new name and logo. The two former lung charities have come together to create one organisation fighting for people’s right to breathe. Asthma and Lung UK says its new strategy and brand is urgently needed to shine a spotlight on the ‘shameful’ state of the UK’s lung health,

There are a number of resources which can be used to raise awareness about the campaign on their excellent website at the following link:

https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/

NHS/Health Education England E-Learning on Air Pollution

On this excellent website is a bite-sized session to give health and care professionals an overview of air pollution – including key evidence, data and signposting to trusted resources to help prevent illness, protect health and promote wellbeing:

https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/Component/Details/603166

Clean Air Day Events 

The 2023 South West and Wales Air Quality Conference 21 June 2023

Agenda

09:30 – 09:45 – Opening remarks

09:45 – 10:25 – Cllr Don Alexander, Bristol City Council

10:25 – 11:05 – Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Cymru, Asthma + Lung UK

11:05 – 11:40 – Morning refreshments break

11:40 – 12:20 – Panel discussion

12:20 – 13:00 – Tessa Bartholomew-Good, Campaign Lead – Global Action Plan

13:00 – 13:55 – Lunch

13:55 – 14:35 – Dr Phillip Webb, Chief Executive Officer, Respiratory Innovation Wales

14:35 – 15:05 – Afternoon refreshments

15:05 – 15:45 – Robert Llewellyn, Fully Charged

15:45 – 16:25 – Professor Enda Hayes, Air Quality & Carbon Management – UWE Bristol

16:25 – 16:40 – Closing remarks

The 2023 South West & Wales Air Quality Conference – 21/06/23 Bristol – More Information and to Register at:-https://airqualitynews.com/events/event/aqnbristol/?

Aberdeen City Council Clean Air Day 2023 Event 15 June 2023 10.30am – 3.30pm

‘Promoting the benefits of reducing pollution to improve air quality’

Aberdeen City Council will host an event on St. Nicholas Street on Thursday 15th June between 10:30 and 15:30, organised by the Protective Services team, featuring exhibition stands, hedge men street entertainers and vehicles, including a hydrogen car, electric car and cargo bike, to promote key messages around reducing pollution and congestion to improve air quality. A number of organisations will be present on the day including the Aberdeen City Council (ACC) Cleaner Air for Aberdeen team, the ACC LEZ team, ACC Hydrogen Project, Big Issue bikes, First Bus, Enterprise Car Club, Energy Savings Trust, Getabout, Sustrans, Original FM Radio and the Hedge men street entertainers. Venue St Nicholas Street, Aberdeen. This is a Free to attend event and no ticket is required.

Hazards Campaign TUCAN Online Clean Air Day Meeting 6pm – 8.30pm 15 June 2023

Register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hazards-campaigntucan-clean-air-day-tickets-638739235247

Houses of Parliament Westminster – Clean Air Day – APPG on Air Pollution 15 June 2023 10:30 AM 

About the Event: To mark this year’s Clean Air Day the APPG on Air Pollution will be co-hosting a panel event with Global Action Plan and Alzheimer’s Research UK to explore the latest evidence linking air pollution to mental health and brain conditions. Whilst the physical health impacts of air pollution – such as asthma, heart disease and cancers – have been recognised for decades, more recently, researchers are beginning to understand how air pollution can affect the brain and the mind, including conditions such as dementia, anxiety, and depression. Clean Air Day – the UK’s biggest air pollution campaign – is a galvanising moment to help drive a positive shift in public knowledge and action on air pollution. Through this event, speakers will consider how groups and policy makers can work together to raise the profile of air pollution and support measures to clean up our air. Speakers: – Professor Frank Kelly, Imperial College London – Overview of COMEAP report – Dr. Susan Mitchell, Head of Policy – Introduction to new research looking at mechanisms linking air pollution and dementia – Larissa Lockwood, Director Clean Air, Global Action Plan – Future collaboration for policy makers and air pollution and mental/brain health groups. This virtual event is being held on Clean Air Day, 15 June from 10.30-11.30. Registration:

https://globalactionplan.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2Fcxoj0eQy2ImFQxdMNpuA?

The Environment Centre’s Clean Air, Clean Mind Webinar Series
The Environment Centre in Hampshire are hosting a ‘Clean Air, Clear Mind’ series of webinars on Clean Air Day, 15 June. Speakers include a range of experts who will discuss the latest research on air quality and brain health, including Dr. Ian Mudway (Imperial College London), Dr. Louise Kelly (University of Southampton) and Debbie Chase (Director of Public Health, Southampton City Council). This will be a four-part webinar on Thursday, 15th June, to raise awareness of the importance of keeping our air as clean as possible. Global Action Plan’s theme for the day is all about the impact that clean air has on our mind and the event will be using this theme throughout our agenda, which is set out below.

1. Air pollution – brain smog and ultra-fine particle pollution.
2. Air pollution and dementia.
3. Talking to patients about how to breathe cleaner air.
4. The public health and local authority perspective.

Further Information and to Book a Place go to: https://environmentcentre.com/blog-articles/clean-air-day-2023/?

Ricardo Air Pollution Footprint Toolkit launch 
Environment consulting company Ricardo is launching a reporting toolkit for their Air Pollution Footprint Partnership. This is a free toolkit that will allow organisations to estimate their air pollution emissions, look at ways to reduce their emissions and share experiences with likeminded businesses. The launch event on Clean Air Day, 15 June, 09.15-13.00, will feature organisations that took part in the toolkit pilot.

Attend in Person or Virtually via Zoom. Registration at:- https://www.ricardo.com/en/news-and-insights/campaigns/air-pollution-footprint-partnership/air-pollution-footprint-partnership-toolkit-launch-registration? 

Health expert spokespeople available for media and events

The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC) Ambassadors Spokesperson Network is a volunteer group of healthcare providers who are trained and ready to speak to the media on the health impacts of the air quality crisis. The spokespeople cover a wide range of professions, including doctors, nurses, general practitioners, mental health professionals and more. They also include leaders in their field, including chairs, directors and sustainability leads of medical royal colleges and associations. The membership of the organisations that make up UKHACC totals around 1 million UK healthcare workers. Book a Speaker by emailing: tom@climateacceptancestudios.com

How Londoners can support Clean Air Day

This Clean Air Day, Global Action Plan are asking Londoners and Clean Air Day Supporters to get their local leaders and local councillors to support clean air plans and policies to clean up London’s air and make it easier to breathe clean air – whether that’s reducing the most polluting vehicles (such as the Ultra-Low Emission Zones), or enabling more people to walk, cycle or take public transport. Help spread the word and get Londoners to ask their local councillors to support solutions – like the Ultra-Low Emission Zone expansion – that make it easier to breathe cleaner air. Spread the word and use the GAP Website Comms Pack with suggested copy and images to use in social media on Clean Air Day (15 June). Download the Communication Pack – How Londoners Can Help Support Clean Air Day:-https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oST-gtb8DAInmWk8TsPWGG6b69OkUEqe/edit

Important Clean Air Websites:

• Global Action Plan: https://www.actionforcleanair.org.uk/campaigns/clean-air-day
• TUCAN Guidance on Air Pollution For Union Reps: https://www.greenerjobsalliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/TUCAN-Guidance-for-TU-Reps.pdf
• Greater Manchester Hazards Centre – Eliminating Toxic substances at Work:- https://www.gmhctur.org/
• Air Pollution a Trade Union Issues – Wales TUC:- https://www.tuc.org.uk/blogs/air-pollution-workplace-issue
• Hazards Campaign/Greener Jobs Alliance/Trade Union Clean Air Network/UCU/Global Action Plan Joint Presentation on “Air Quality Air Pollution Climate Change = Occupational health/Trade Union issue – Cleaning the air at work. Ventilation. Filtration. Toxic Use Reduction at source”:-https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iLwpYOUgEg4tYAwQ9QzZj3aIep3JCXwc/view
• Clean Air Day 15 June Clean Air Hub | Take Action for Clean Air Day  https://www.cleanairhub.org.uk/take-action

About The Charity ‘Global Action Plan’ – The Clean Air Day Organisers and Further Information:

‘Global Action Plan’ is an environmental charity working towards a green and thriving planet where everyone can enjoy happy and healthy lives within the Earth’s limits without ruining the Earth we depend on. They aim to help people live more sustainable lifestyles, make connections between what’s good for people and good for the planet, work with young people on reducing consumerism and increasing wellbeing, bring business and people together to work on a sustainable future and help young people develop the skills and knowledge to tackle environmental issues which is good for the planet and for everyone’s future too. They tackle the root causes of our climate and nature crises through research, campaigns and collective action that reconnect human and planetary health. GAP focuses on issues where the connection between the health of people and the planet is most tangible. This allows GAP to show the deep interrelationship and drive solutions that prioritise wellbeing for all. The Charity’s key focus issue is air pollution. ‘Global Action Plan’ are a UK Charity registered in England and Wales number 1026148, and in Scotland number SC041260.

Further information:

Global Action Plan
201 Borough High Street
London SE1 1JA
Tel: 020 3817 7636
Email: team@globalactionplan.org.uk

Website: https://www.actionforcleanair.org.uk/campaigns/clean-air-day

Attachments:

• ‘Global Action Plan’ Graphics/Posters/Resources
• TUCAN Air Pollution Guidance for Trade Union Reps
• Wales TUC – Greener Workplaces Toolkit For Union Reps (Written By Graham Petersen)

Note: The information and resources in this LTB and attachments are to raise awareness and for ongoing reference, information and support beyond the Clean Air Day focal point which is organised to help build widespread, long term support for environmental clean air initiatives. It’s not just for one day!

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB139 National Clean Air Day – Thursday 15 June 2023 Theme ‘Clean up our air to look after your mind this Clean Air Day’

TUCAN-Air-Polution-Guidance-for-Trade-Union-Reps

TUC-Wales-Greener-Workplaces-Toolkit-For-Union-Reps-May21

What we know – and dont know – about clean air by Larissa Lockwood, Dire…

Clean Air Day Graphics Save the Date 15 June

Clean Air Day Graphics Air Pollution Impacts Mental Physical & Planets Health

Clean Air Day Graphics Air Polution Dirties Every Organ

Clean Air Day Graphics Clean Air Day Logo

Clean Air Day Graphics Clean Up Our Air Look After Your Mind

Clean Air Day Graphics This is Clean Air Day Learn Act Ask

Clean Air Day Graphics Walk, Wheel, Public Transport Reduce Exposure & Contribution to Pollution

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CWU Low Level Letterbox Campaign:

This is an update further to LTB 058/2023, dated 9 March 2023.

Public Consultation on Reforms to National Planning Policy:

As detailed in LTB 058/23 the Health, Safety and Environment Department submitted a formal response to the Government Public Consultation on ‘The Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill’ specifically in relation to proposed reforms to the ‘National Planning Policy Framework’ which forms a section of the Bill. The Bill’s primary intention is to allow government to swiftly deliver its commitment to building 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s but included in the framework is the review of the infrastructure which mandates new developments to meet clear design standards amongst other things. As the Public Consultation deals with a review and revision of the planning and building regulations, a response to the Consultation was made by the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department concentrating on our long established policy of enshrining a ‘minimum’ height for letterboxes and ‘banning all low level letter boxes’ in new homes and developments.

House of Lords: 

With the ‘The Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill’ currently being considered and debated in the House of Lords, at the Committee Stage, the Health, Safety and Environment Department, engaged in dialogue with Baroness Angela Smith of Basildon, Leader of the opposition for Labour in the House of Lords and Baroness Susan Hayman of Ullock. Amendment, number 476 to the Bill was subsequently tabled proposing a minimum letterbox height in law, in line with CWU policy and the EU Standard. On 22 May, Amendment 476 came up for debate and received cross-party support. The government minister in the House of Lords Baroness Scott of Bybrook, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) responded favourably, quote; “It is important to ensure that doors in homes include letterboxes at a height that does not cause injury, risk or inconvenience.We intend to include the recommended height for letterboxes in revised statutory guidance.”

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

Following the government commitment given on 22 May in the House of Lords, the Health Safety & Environment Department has written to Lee Rowley MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Local Government and Building Safety) at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, asking when in fact are the government going to deliver on the recent commitment given in the House of Lords and importantly the commitment given in the House of Commons on Wednesday 16 January 2019, four and a half years ago, to review the building regulations statutory guidance on the position of letterboxes, to ensure that doors in homes include letterboxes at a height that does not cause injury, risk or inconvenience, as it’s been a very long time coming. This would benefit the health and wellbeing of CWU’s Royal Mail 90,000 Outdoor Delivery Members, Postmen and Postwomen across the UK.  We have also written to Baroness Scott of Bybrook, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the House of Lords and to Lisa Nandy Labour’s Shadow Minister. A copy of the letter to the Minister Lee Rowley is attached.

UK Devolved Administrations:

As previously advised, we have additionally approached the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on the matter of legislating on the introduction of a minimum letterbox height, in line with CWU policy and have received positive initial replies which we are following up.

Victory for CWU Low Level Letterbox Campaign with a New Build Homes Development in Telford: 

Whilst we campaign for a UK wide government ban on low level letterboxes, the Health, Safety & Environment Department continues to challenge developers, house builders and local authorities when new housing developments with low level letterboxes are brought to our attention. Many successes have been achieved but it’s an uphill battle without statutory requirements in place to convince developers to comply with the EU Standard. However, with the support of the Labour Council Leader and Deputy Leader of Telford and Wrekin Council, Wrekin Housing Group were persuaded to fund the installation of ‘Wall-Mounted Letter Boxes’ at an improved height, on a new development with 88 new houses at Overdale in Telford I’m pleased to report.

Local Government Association:

We have requested, via an approach to the Senior Vice-Chair of the LGA that the matter be raised with the Local Government Association (LGA) which is made up of 317 English councils and the 22 Welsh councils through the Welsh Local Government Association. Part of its role is to influence and set the political agenda on the issues that matter to councils so they are able to deliver local solutions to national problems and planning is one area covered. We hope that some further progress and support can be achieved via this channel.

Conclusion:

The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department will continue its campaign towards one day seeing the regulatory change we have been promised by the government which everyone appears to support but no one has yet delivered! We will keep Branches updated.

Attachment:

Copy of letter to Lee Rowley MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Local Government and Building Safety) at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 138/23 – CWU Low Level Letterbox Campaign

Att: Letterbox Heights-Letter to Lee Rowley MP Minster Dept.Levelling Up Hous…

Att: Ban-Low-Level-Letter-Box-Flier

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Disability Toolkit

We are pleased to confirm that a new Disability Toolkit has been completed and signed off by our Disability NEC and Regional Leads.

The toolkit will help everyone with an interest in Disability-rights to play a vital role in highlighting issues that affect workers with disabilities and support wider campaigns linked to promoting disability rights.

A copy of the Toolkit is attached to this LTB.

We are attaching two versions. One is the non-tinted background version which we recommend you use if you want to distribute hard copies. A dyslexia-friendly digital version is also attached and we recommend Branches use this one if they are sharing digital copies.

Any queries on this LTB should be directed to equality&education@cwu.org         

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 137/23 – Disability Toolkit

Att: 6946 – disability toolkit – 01.06.23

Att: 6946 – disability toolkit 2023 – dyslexia friendly – 01.06.23

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