Parcelforce Worldwide – Joint Communication – Pathway to Change Update

Attached for the information of Branches, Representatives and Parcelforce members is a Joint Communication agreed with Parcelforce to provide an update on agreed initiatives to address current issues associated to the REX technology.

In recent weeks, senior members of the Royal Mail/ Parcelforce Management Teams and the department have visited a number of Depots and sought direct feedback from our members on the prevailing issues associated to Auto REX.

A number of common themes were explored relating to continued routing issues and the perception that adherence to the delivery sequence has restricted the ability of Drivers to use their experience to resolve routing problems and manage their day which has undoubtedly adversely affected morale. This direct, detailed feedback has been invaluable and has greatly assisted in informing talks to agree steps to resolve the issues.

The attached Joint Statement details agreed phased trial activity designed to address the common themes and restore to the Driver more control over their load plan, start point and route schedule, while retaining the ability for PFW to offer the 1-hour ETA which is essential in the premium market sector that Parcelforce operate. Trial activity will be closely monitored by the Joint Working Group.

In addition, arrangements have been made to enable the JWG and the Regional Organisers to meet Geoplan and directly address the many issues raised by our members relating to the REX routing performance. Arrangements are also being confirmed to create a monthly forum to allow a number of Representatives to engage directly with the JWG.

In recognition of the efforts of our members it has been agreed that the trial activity will not delay the deployment of the SWW in Depots. Arrangements are being made to fast track local discussions on the arrangements with a view to concluding agreements by Friday, 9th July 2021. 

The department believes that there is now an opportunity to address some of the current REX issues and updates will be provided as the trial activity progresses. The department would be grateful if Branches could ensure that the contents are brought to the attention of our Parcelforce members.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.orgquoting reference 054.06.

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary

LTB 276/21

Parcelforce Pathway to Change Update Document 01.07.21

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ROYAL MAIL: PATHWAY TO CHANGE AGREEMENT: DELIVERING THE SHORTER WORKING WEEK IN DOWNSTREAM ACCESS (DSACC)

I am pleased to advise Branches and our DSACC members that following discussions with management, an agreement has been reached with regards to delivering the Shorter Working Week from Monday 12^thJuly.  The following Joint Statement which outlines our agreement has been published today:

Royal Mail: Pathway to Change Agreement: Delivering the Shorter Working Week For Downstream Access

 We are pleased to advise that an agreement has now been reached with regards to delivering the Shorter Working Week for Downstream Access. 

Constructive dialogue between both parties has continued over recent weeks and we can now confirm that to achieve the 1 hour reduction in weekly working hours we will be reducing each shift by 12 minutes a day at the start of the shift. There will be an hourly rate pay increase to part time employees in lieu of the SWW.

The Shorter Working Week changes will be implemented from Monday 12th July, allowing time for the necessary changes to be made on PSP. 

Both Royal Mail and the CWU acknowledge the way in which colleagues have responded to the unprecedented challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic and wish to thank you for your continued hard work. 

Andy Furey                                             Surekha Khuttan

CWU Assistant Secretary                          Network Access Operations Manager

The above is a positive outcome which I’m certain will be well received by our members working in the DSACC unit in Whitechapel.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

LTB 279/21 – Royal Mail Pathway to Change Agreement – Delivering the Shorter Working Week in Downstream Access (DSACC)

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ROYAL MAIL: PATHWAY TO CHANGE AGREEMENT: DELIVERING THE SHORTER WORKING WEEK IN THE NATIONAL RETURNS CENTRE (NRC)

I am pleased to advise Branches and our members working in the NRC in Belfast that following discussions with management, an agreement has been reached with regards to delivering the Shorter Working Week from Monday 19^th July.  The following Joint Statement outlines our agreed position:

Royal Mail: Pathway to Change Agreement: Delivering the Shorter Working Week in the National Returns Centre

We are pleased to advise that an agreement has now been reached with regards to delivering the Shorter Working Week in the National Returns Centre.

Constructive dialogue between both parties has continued over recent weeks and we can now confirm that joint targets have been agreed to enable the Shorter Working Week, which will be implemented from the 19th July 2021, with a 15 minute reduction at the end of the day Monday to Thursday.

Both Royal Mail and the CWU acknowledge the way in which colleagues have responded to the unprecedented challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic and wish to thank you for your continued hard work.

I wish to extend my thanks to our Area Admin Representative, Gerry Loughran, for his support in helping to bring this matter to a positive conclusion and I’m certain the agreement will be well received by our NRC members.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

LTB 278/21 – Royal Mail – Pathway to Change Agreement – Delivering the Shorter Working Week in the National Returns Centre (NRC)

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NEC & Industrial Executive Elections 2021 – Despatch of Ballot Papers

In accordance with respective election regulations the ballots papers for the above national and regional elections are due to be posted to members from 6^th July 2021.

The purpose of this LTB is to advise branches that we have received notification from Civica that the ballot papers will be despatched from 6^th July 2021.

I would also take this opportunity to advise that the method of posting is Economy or 2^nd class Postage.

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed Peter Metcalfe, Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7368, or email address pmetcalfe@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 275/21

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NEC & Industrial Executive Elections 2021

Further to LTBs 234/21 and 240/21 please find attached the booklets containing the candidate details for the respective NEC and Industrial Executive elections.

These are being provided in order to assist Branches in making their recommendations.

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed Peter Metcalfe, Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7368, or email address pmetcalfe@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 274/21

R0465_1_P7 CWU_ESs Postal

R0465_1_P8 CWU_ESs Postal

R0465_1_P10 CWU_ESs T&FS

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RM/CWU National Dog Awareness Week 2021 – Monday 7 July – Saturday 10 July 2021:

Headline Statistics- 33,000 dog attacks on postmen and women in the last 10 years & 1000 dog bites through the letterbox in the last 5 years: 

As the nation prepares to return to a normal life without Covid-Secure lockdown restrictions, CWU Reps should use the forthcoming ‘RM/CWU Dog Awareness Week’ to ensure that the message to members is reinforced that they must stay vigilant at all times, be aware of dangerous dog risks!

Launching the 2021 Royal Mail/CWU National Dog Awareness Week – here are the headline messages and shocking statistics:

• The Headline Message for Dog Awareness Week 5 – 11 July is ‘Dog Attacks Remain a Major Safety Hazard and Concern For Postmen and Women across the UK’.
• There are now 12 Million Dogs in the Country with a huge increase in dogs purchased by new owners, locked down during the pandemic. Many of these dogs haven’t been trained or socialised. Many of these new owners now regret buying a dog and many of these new dogs could be a risk to postal workers.
• The Key Objectives are to remind both the Public to be aware of their responsibilities and to remind Postal Workers to be vigilant, keep safe and take no risks.
• The scale of the problem across the UK should never be underestimated!
• There have been 33,000 dog attacks on postmen and women in the last 10 years – over 80% take place at the front door or on the garden footpath or drive – some result in life changing injuries!
• 1000 dog bites have occurred through the letterbox in the last 5 years alone – many with devastating effects – many resulting in lost fingers!

Reps should be campaigning hard to reinforce the message to members to follow the Safe Systems of Work and the “AVOID”principles at all times:

“AVOID” and Stay Safe.

• Avoid interacting with any dogs. Over 80% of dog attacks happen at a customer’s door or in their garden so take no risks and never put your fingers through a letterbox. Never accept a dog owner’s assurances – always ask owners to restrain their dogs and step away.
• Value yourself – It could happen to you – don’t think it can’t!
• Observe – Check your Walk Log and mark your frame with yellow dots.
• Inform – Report all new dogs to your Manager. Report all incidents involving dogs no matter how minor*.
• Defend – Use your delivery equipment (pouch or trolley) to form a barrier and defend yourself if necessary.

(*IMPORTANT: All Dog Attacks Must Be Reported to the Manager, Police and Royal Mail Security Helpdesk – This is the only way to stop future dog attacks happening).

And Get The Message To Customers – Which Is:

Please Help Us Prevent Dog Attacks On Postal Workers By:

• SECURE YOUR DOG in another room before the postman or postwoman arrives and before opening the front door to collect items of mail and parcels.
• NEVER OPEN THE DOOR when your dog is behind you. Never allow young children to open the door whilst a dog is running lose in the house.
• OCCUPY YOUR DOG with food or a toy while mail is being delivered.
• INVEST in a letter cage or external delivery box, to stop bites through the letterbox.
• ENSURE YOUR DOG has a collar, tag, and an up-to-date microchip – the law requires both!

UK Dog Population Dramatic Increase Research!

Recently published research and data has reported the proportion of UK people buying or adopting dogs has increased dramatically in 2020/21, during the pandemic with the population of dogs in the UK now over 12 million.

The worrying indications from this recent research are that over half of these animals have been isolated and not socialised, never having left their home and never having met other humans outside their own households. Many of these new dog owners now regret buying a dog and now want rid of them. More than a third (33%) of people who bought a dog during lockdown fear their dogs will bite a stranger after lockdown ends as these dogs meet new people for the first time.

As we in the CWU know well – without responsible dog owners and without proper socialisation and training, these dogs can have serious behavioural problems, such as nervous behaviour, bad temperament, aggression and the risk of attacking people and postal workers is very real. There could therefore be major consequences for CWU members/Postal Workers making deliveries to homes and companies with these potentially aggressive dogs in the hands of irresponsible owners failing to control them – time will tell.

Members should be reminded to be vigilant at all times, take no risks and avoid any contact and interaction with dogs.  

Dog Awareness Week WTLLs/Huddles

See attached three WTLLs which will be used during Dog Awareness Week. These will be:

• One WTLL specifically for the Delivery Office workforce.
• One WTLL aimed at non-delivery office workers.
• One designed for Parcelforce workers.

Dog Awareness Week Resources

See attached RMG SHE Process for ordering stocks of the following:

‘Do You Have A Dog’ Post Cards

Dalmatian postcard which is designed to be posted to all households in an area as part of Dog Awareness week to ask customers to ensure their dogs are kept secure and under control when the postman/woman calls.

‘Dog Behind The Letter Box’ Cards 

This is the red coloured Alsatian Card/Leaflet which is used to identify to the postman/woman where a known dog resides. The Card/Leaflet is placed in the frame when prepping and can then be put with bundles as a reminder when going out on the round.

Posting Pegs

Plastic red coloured peg for posting mail through letter boxes in order to avoid dog bites through the letter box.

Unit Plasma Screens & RMTV Screen Shots

See attached copies of seven daily ‘screen shots’ which will be shown on a one per day basis during Dog Awareness Week.

Dog Awareness Week 2021 Internal Poster – “AVOID a dog attack by following the five steps”

Each Unit will receive two printed copies of the ‘Internal AVOID’ Dog Awareness Week poster which will either be the English (Inc. N.I.), Scottish or Welsh versions. The only difference in the country posters is the Royal Mail Cruciform which varies from country to country. The aim of the internal poster is to emphasise the five-point Dog Attack AVOID principles to every member (see above), presenting the well-known “AVOID” dog awareness message in a different looking poster. The poster refers to reported significant increase in dog ownership across the UK during the pandemic lockdown and aims to alert the outdoor delivery workforce to the fact that these dogs may not have been trained or socialised with people and therefore they pose a potential threat of attack and dog bites!

Dog Awareness Week 2021 External Poster – “33 Postmen and Women bitten every week – 5 key requests to customers”

Each Unit will receive four printed copies of the ‘External’ Dog Awareness Week poster which will either be the English (inc. N.I.), Scottish or Welsh versions. Additionally, there will be a Welsh Language version poster of which Welsh Units will receive four printed copies. The aim of the external poster is to capture the attention of the reader, focusing on the personal impact that a dog attack can have by showing the faces of 33 postmen and women which is the current number of postmen and women bitten every week.  The request of the public is the same as we have campaigned for the last 7 years with 5 key requests highlighted (see above).

It total there will be 16,000 posters distributed to all Royal Mail Delivery and other Units. A message will be sent to all non-delivery units, requesting that they share any unused posters with their local delivery unit. Royal Mail state that it is far cheaper and easier to send posters to all Units than trying to manage different volumes and internal/external posters to different parts of the business. The posters will be hosted on the Royal Mail SharePoint so that any Units that want additional posters will be able to download and print off additional copies required. Posters will be arriving in units from around the 29^th June ready to display in time for Dog Awareness Week commencing Monday 5 July 2021.

Attachments:

Posters:

• Dog Awareness Week 2021 Internal Poster
• Dog Awareness Week 2021 External Poster

Screen Shots

• Seven, daily Screen Shots.

WTLLs

• Three WTLLs/Huddles

Dog Cards

• Mail Shot ‘Have You Got A Dog’ Postcard
• Frames/Bundles ‘Dog Behind The Letterbox Card

Posting Peg

• Using a Posting Peg Leaflet/Images

Ordering Process For The Above items For Dog Awareness WeekThe Message for Customers is:

Ø  Be considerate and a responsible dog owner and work with Royal Mail and your local Postman or Postwoman.

Ø  Postal Workers have been heroes during the pandemic – keeping the postal service going and keeping the country connected.

Ø  Put the dog in another secure room before opening the door to collect the mail and parcels.

Ø  Don’t let children open the door, the dog can push past them and attack the postman with the child having little chance of controlling the dog.

Ø  Don’t let the dog roam free in the garden when the mail is being delivered – if you must do this then fit a postbox on the perimeter gate or fence.

Ø  If your dog attacks or snatches the mail when it comes through the door fit a letterbox cage to protect the postman’s fingers and protect your mail.

Ø  Finally – ensure your dog is microchipped and wears a collar and tag – it’s a legal requirement and you can be fined up to £5000 if you don’t.

The Message to Delivery Staff is:

Ø  Firstly, take no risks – zero tolerance is the Policy of Royal Mail and the CWU and we will pursue the prosecution of any owner who’s dog attacks and injures a Postal Worker.

Ø  The Dog population has increased to 12 million during the pandemic and many of the dogs are with new owners and haven’t been socialised and could pose a risk – we don’t yet know where they all are.

Ø  Never assume a dog won’t bite.

Ø  Never take the word of an owner that the dog won’t bite either.

Ø  Step back when delivering a parcel or packet.

Ø  At the Delivery Office make sure that all Dog Hazards are on the Walk Risk Assessment Platform (WRAP) and that the Walk Log is up to date and check it!

Ø  Mark the Preparation Sorting Frame with Yellow Dots indicating the addresses where there are dogs.

Ø  Mark the mail with a ‘D’ to remind you of addresses with dogs that could be a problem whilst you are on the delivery round.

St. Bede’s Primary School Rotherham – Supporting Dog Awareness Week and Raising Awareness

Two pupils Ida and Paris have made this great little 5-minute dog awareness video to highlight the risks our superb postmen and women face every day with dog hazards. If all dog owners can follow the simple steps in the video, dog attacks on the posties will reduce. Well done girls and the local postman – Luke and his mother the St Bede’s Head Teacher Amanda Wassell. Our thanks to ASR Andrew Kipling, Ida, Paris, Luke and Amanda. Link to Video:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wnEzSWgL68

See The Dog Awareness Week Interview With National Health, Safety & Environment Officer Dave Joyce on the CWU Website.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 273/21 – RM CWU National Dog Awareness Week 2021 – Monday 7 July – Saturday 10 July 2021

023790_ROYAL MAIL_DOG POST CARD Proof 1

Process for ordering dog posting cards 2020

RMDogAwareness-Poster EXTERNAL_ENGLISH

RMDogAwareness-Poster INTERNAL_ENGLISH

SHE Huddle FY21 022a Dog Awareness Non-Ops Colleagues

SHE Huddle FY21 022b Dog Awareness Delivery and Collections

SHE Huddle FY21 022c Dog Awareness Parcelforce

SP11554_Dog Behind Letterbox LoRes

Using a Posting Peg

Royal Mail Group Dog Attack Reporting Process:

As we approach the annual, national RMG/CWU ‘Dog Awareness Week and further to LTB 443/19, it has again come to our attention in the Health, Safety & Environment Department that many Delivery Office Managers are not aware of the correct, RMG Dog attack reporting process which was revised via national agreement and was introduced in July 2019. This has now been promulgated into the new format Royal Mail Safety Health and Environment Instruction 6.1. Attached for your information please find copies of:

• RMG SHE Instruction 6.1 Task and Workplace Risk Control Programme
• RMG SHE Instruction 6.1 Management of Dog Attacks Guidance Document
• RMG SHE Instruction 6.1 Dangerous Dog Reporting Process
• RMG SHE – Stay Safe – Dog Attack Risk Control Matrix v2.3

Dog Attacks continue to be the single highest accident and injury type in Royal Mail and result in many CWU members suffering significant injuries which in the most serious of cases can be life changing.

Detailed discussions continue to take place between the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department and the Royal Mail Safety, Legal and Security teams to monitor and improve how dog attacks are reported, investigated and evidence is gathered to enable criminal investigations to become more timely and effective and to facilitate the prosecutions, where appropriate, of irresponsible dog owners and/or other appropriate remedial actions following attacks.

All dog attack reports MUST now be promptly made to the RMG Security Helpdesk who will capture the information and record the details in their ‘SHEILD’ (Security Hub Investigation Event Logging Directory) database system before allocating the incident to the investigation team for a swifter response, both in offering support and taking the matter forward. This approach will ensure that accurate and timely information is captured for all dog attacks, on any RMG employees, while allocating the right resource to help build stronger, better evidenced prosecution cases.

This process will far more effectively provide Royal Mail security investigators and lawyers with prompt notice of all dog attacks to enable them to firstly start gathering ‘fresh’ evidence, secondly make contact with the Police force involved in order to set up liaison on cases and to press them and the Crown Prosecution Services to prosecute irresponsible owners where appropriate and to ensure cases are not either dropped or are dealt with inappropriately, for example via a ‘community resolution’ or simple ‘Police warning’.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this process is designed to ensure that Royal Mail’s lawyers can take out ‘Private Prosecutions’ against irresponsible dog owners, if need be, in cases where the Police or Crown Prosecution Service fail to prosecute for what RMG and CWU consider unacceptable reasons. To date, since the Health, Safety & Environment Department secured agreement with Royal Mail Group to take out private prosecutions, approximately 50 successful prosecutions of dog owners, securing criminal convictions, have taken place and more are currently proceeding through the courts.

The intelligence this approach provides will also enable the identification of high areas of risk and support the wider business approach of raising awareness with the public.

It will also provide evidence to support further opportunities to influence changes in the current legislation and enforcement which, going forward, we hope will safeguard and support members and reduce the number of these incidents.

As part of this year’s 2021 National RMG/CWU ‘Joint’ Dog Awareness Week we have agreed that this month, the revised dog attack reporting process, introduced two years ago, will be re-communicated.

The reporting process requires members who are dog attack victims and managers to follow some simple actions. This process will not change the way we report or investigate incidents but will add an addition to the current process.

It is vitally important that following a dog attack, managers must call the ‘Security Helpdesk’ to report all dog attacks. The ‘Security Helpdesk’ will obtain information allowing them to record it into their ‘SHEILD’ database system. Finally, all dog attacks must be recorded into the USO (Universal Service Obligation) SharePoint site.

To simplify and remove duplication, the old ‘DART’ and ‘DARP’ process were withdrawn 2 years ago as RMG Security will be holding all the required information in their ‘SHIELD’ system.

Important Note: All injuries from dog attacks still need an ERICA report form entry to be completed and submitted.

The dog attack reporting process is attached for your information and attention.

If you require any further information on these changes, please contact your RMG SHE Advisor/Business Partner.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 272/21 – Royal Mail Group Dog Attack Reporting Process

Dangerous Dog Reporting Process (SHEI 6.1) v1.6

Management of Dog Attack Guidance (SHEI 6.1) v1.5

SHEI 6.1 Task and Workplace Risk Control Programmes (v 1.2)

StaySafe – Dog Attack Risk Control Matrix (SHEI 6.1) v2 3

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Royal Mail – ‘Dog Attack Compensation Scheme’ and Claim Form:

As we approach the annual, national RMG/CWU ‘Dog Awareness Week and further to LTB 498/18, it has again come to our attention in the Health, Safety & Environment Department that many Branch Reps and members who are injured in dog attacks and are subsequently off work sick are not aware of, and do not make applications under the Royal Mail Dog Attack Compensation Scheme.

If injured and off work sick as a result of a dog attack, benefits are available to members under the Royal Mail ‘Dog Attack Compensation Scheme’. The scheme pays compensation amounting to the difference between full rate sick pay and an individual’s average weekly earnings over the previous 13 weeks prior to the dog attack incident.

This is paid out regardless of any personal injury litigation compensation which may be recovered by the Union solicitors acting for the member.

A Royal Mail – ‘Dog Attack Compensation Scheme’ claim form is attached which branches can print off and keep available in the branch office for members when needed.

The form can also be located on PSP. If a manager requires a copy of the form they can type in ‘Dog Attack Compensation’ and the form will appear under the searches.

Royal Mail ‘Dog Attack Compensation Scheme’ Conditions are:

• 1 week minimum sick absence must be incurred in order to qualify to submit a claim.
• A maximum of 13 weeks average earnings will be paid out whilst an individual is off work sick following an attack.
• Christmas and summer pressure periods and annual leave periods will be excluded from the average earnings calculation.

Remember:

• Report all dog attacks to management.
• Following dog attack injuries, suspend deliveries.
• Report all dog attacks to the Security Helpdesk 020 7239 6655 or email: securityhelpdesk@royalmail.com.
• Record details of every dog attack on the ‘USO SharePoint site’.
• Record all dog attack injuries on ‘ERICA’.
• Report all dog attacks to the Police and get a ‘Crime Number’.
• Report all dog attacks to the Local Authority Dog Warden or officer responsible for Dog Nuisance and Anti-Social Behaviour issues.
• Update WRAP and Walk Log.
• If the member is injured, complete a CWU LS3 Form and submit it to the Union’s Legal Services Department who will instruct the Union’s lawyers.
• Make an application under the Royal Mail Dog Attack Compensation Scheme (application form attached).

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 271/21 – Royal Mail – ‘Dog Attack Compensation Scheme’ and Claim Form

Dog-Attack-Compensation-Claim-Form

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HWDC – Mobile Walk In Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic Offering First and Second Doses to All Adults Over 18 – Thursday 1st July (8am-5pm) & Saturday 3rd July 2pm-10pm):

Following discussions involving Royal Mail and Slough Borough Council/NHS, Slough Council have agreed to bring their mobile Vaccination Bus to HWDC and the local authority will visit HWDC as follows:

• Thursday 1st July 8am -5pm
• Saturday 3^rd July 2pm -10pm

The Vaccination Bus will administer the ‘Pfizer Vaccine’.

These times and days have been agreed locally with the council in order to provide the best opportunity to capture as many Royal Mail International workers as possible, at a convenient time and location, who wish to take up the opportunity to get vaccinated.

The clinicians have agreed to provide either the first or second dose.

The 2pm – 10pm late finish session on Saturday 3 July will provide the opportunity for night shift workers to get vaccinated.

The attached poster will be displayed in HWDC and next week’s Vaccination Bus visit will be communicated to the workforce.

Summary:

The walk-in Vaccination Bus will offer first and second doses to all adults over 18. No appointments are necessary. This opportunity is on offer to all members over 18 years of age working at HWDC, Royal Mail International, Langley. Dates are THURSDAY 1ST JULY 8AM-5PM and SATURDAY 3RD JULY 2PM-10PM. Members should eat and drink water before the vaccination. Those wanting their second dose need to have a vaccine from the same manufacturer as the first, unless told otherwise. There should be a minimum of 8 weeks in between doses.

Management enquiries only to Carole Pearce Royal Mail Group Senior Operations Solutions Manager:- Tel:  07860847584 Email: Carole.pearce@royalmail.com

Would all HWDC Reps please ensure this is widely communicated to all members at HWDC, encouraging maximum take up.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 270/21 – HWDC – Mobile Walk In Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic Offering First and Second Doses to All Adults Over 18

Royal Mail International NHS Vaccination poster

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COVID-19 Daily Close-Contact Testing Study Using Lateral Flow Rapid Home Testing Kits – New NHS Study To Offer Daily Rapid/Serial Testing To Close Contacts Of Positive COVID-19 Cases:

Under current Government rules, anyone who has been contacted by NHS Test and Trace after coming into contact with a Covid-19 positive case must self-isolate at home for a 10-day period, regardless of whether they themselves are showing symptoms of the virus. Those rules remain in place unchanged.

A new study is being led by Public Health England and NHS England ‘Test and Trace’ to help increase understanding of how effective daily home testing could be for people who are close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases.

This new study works as follows; People identified as being a close contact* of a person with COVID-19 and who do not have symptoms may be contacted by NHS England Test & Trace by phone asking them to voluntarily take part in the study and if they agree, they will be sent seven days’ worth of lateral flow tests (LFTs), and two Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests. The participating contacts are required to test themselves each morning for seven days with the simple testing process. Participating people who test negative and develop no symptoms will be exempt from the legal requirement to self-isolate that day and each subsequent day they test negative and can therefore leave their home to carry out essential activities including going to work. In Royal Mail Group Units (Royal Mail, Parcelforce etc.) this could mean that a small number of members may be ‘randomly’ invited to voluntarily participate in the study and continue to attend work whilst others will be required by law to self-isolate, following close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 positive case.

Government medical and scientific experts have been clear in their advice that this virus isn’t going to disappear. Protecting the Royal Mail Group workforce has been, and remains, the number one priority for Royal Mail Group, the CWU and Unite, throughout this pandemic. This new study could offer a viable alternative to self-isolation for people who are contacts of positive COVID-19 cases, and one that would allow people to carry on going to work and living their lives, while still ensuring that chains of transmission are stopped.

It’s important that everyone continues to follow the ‘Hands – Face – Space – Fresh air’ Government expert guidance, e.g., washing and sanitising hands regularly, wearing a face covering, maintaining social distancing, use of ventilation and ensuring high levels of cleaning in the workplace, vehicles and shared equipment.

Everyone is encouraged to get regularly tested, as around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms. Testing is free and results are available in around 30 minutes with the rapid LFD test kits. Everyone in Royal Mail Group (Royal Mail, Parcelforce, Engineering, Fleet, RMP&FS, RMSS, RMCE etc.) can participate in the RMG/CWU agreed workforce testing scheme through which members can collect free, rapid, LFD test kits from their workplace in order to take them home and perform twice-weekly tests in the privacy of their own home. To collect a test kit pack please speak to your line manager or your CWU Rep and if you have any queries post a comment via the Workplace LFD group or email: hometests@royalmail.com.

(*This applies to those living in England, over 18, not in full-time education and not under the quarantine rules for arriving in England).

More information on this study can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/daily-contact-testing-study

(It has been agreed that both RMG and CWU will be issuing similar communications on this matter – as above).

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 269/21 – New NHS Study To Offer Daily Rapid Serial Testing To Close Contacts Of Positive COVID-19 Cases

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