On the BBC’s Decision to End the Free TV Licence Fee ‘Grace Period’ for Over 75s.


The National Pensioners’ Convention is concerned to learn that the BBC will end its ‘licence fee grace period’ for over-75s on 31 July with 260,000 pensioners still yet to pay.

The right to a free TV licence for that age group ended last August for all, except those in receipt of the Pension Credit benefit. We understand that the BBC will issue letters urging those still to pay to do so as soon as possible – and that there will be “customer care visits” to pensioners’ homes this autumn.

The NPC has always believed that the free TV licence for over 75s is a government responsibility – an entitlement to compensate for the low state pension – and that Prime Minister Boris Johnson should take back its administration. 

Commenting on the BBC announcement of the end of the grace period, Jan Shortt, NPC General Secretary said:

“We are disappointed to hear that at the end of July the BBC have decided to end the period of grace for those over 75s who still need to pay their TV licence fee.

“This was always somewhat inevitable given the government’s inability to engage with organisations like the NPC to ensure that the responsibility for the funding of the free TV licence goes back to where it belongs – with them. 

“Social welfare is not the prerogative of the BBC – it is the absolute, unequivocal duty of the government to maintain universal pensioner entitlements like the TV licence, the bus pass and winter fuel allowance. 

“The NPC is worried that among those still to pay their licence fee, will be frail and vulnerable people who simply cannot afford it, or who don’t know or understand how to pay – especially with many still frightened to go out, even after their Covid-19 vaccinations. It is concerning that this age group of people could find themselves being put through the stressful court process. 

“‘Customer care’ visits must be undertaken with extreme care and understanding. We urge the government to step in and stop all of this from happening. 

“With pensioner poverty increasing, the NPC has always been concerned that those who are just above the Pension Credit threshold will potentially fall into poverty. Already, these are the individuals making daily choices about the priorities on which they spend their money. Having to find money for a TV licence is just one more call on their limited resources. 

“Pensioner poverty will not be resolved by Pension Credit alone. The NPC campaigns for a decent state pension for all set at 70% of the National Living Wage and uprated by the triple lock on an annual basis. This is affordable in a society that is still one of the wealthiest countries in the economically developed world.”

NPC Statement on end of Covid-19 Restrictions.

PM says we will see more deaths
NPC asks ‘have we not had too many already?’

Many older and vulnerable people will be afraid to go out after July 19th ‘free-for-all’
The UK’s biggest campaigning organisation for older people is concerned that the easing of Covid-19 restrictions on July 19th could make many fearful about going out again.
The National Pensioners’ Convention says while we all long for a return to normality, the new Health Secretary Sajid Javid’s statement that we could have up to 100,000 new cases of Coronavirus per day by summer is frightening.
The NPC also fears the 50 deaths a day being projected by many health experts due to the ending of restrictions, are once again likely to be among our oldest and most vulnerable.
Jan Shortt, General Secretary of the NPC commented: “The Prime Minister has already said that infections will rise, and that we will see more deaths – have we not had too many already?
“We urge the government to give clear guidance on keeping safe, including the wearing of masks in public places and on public transport for the good of everyone.”
She added: “Many older people are concerned and worried about the message from the government on ending lockdown. The ‘free-for-all’ depicted in the information from government sources is making older people (and potentially others in society) anxious about going out into crowds and being targeted because they are either wearing a mask or not.
“Those of us who are happy with the new freedoms must respect people who have good reasons to want to be part of society again but feel the need to still take precautions. Their fears should be understood and respected.’
Jan added: “It seems this government cannot be clear on any question of safety for the population with the expectation that everyone will take responsibility for themselves.
There are many areas of concern for the NPC, none more so than the safety of those older people who may need to travel on buses or trains, venture into crowded shops and walk down crowded streets.
“The fact that second vaccinations are rising is only one part of keeping the infections at bay. Other protections, like wearing a face mask, washing your hands and respecting a bit of social distancing are still needed.”

ELECTION OF NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE POSITIONS – 2021

• CWU Retired Members Committee

Further to LTB 241/21 dated 14^th June 2021, please see below results of the ballots that closed today.

2 Retired members living in Scotland to be elected Hugh BellGlasgow & District Amal53,852Willie MarshallScotland No 263,033*ElectedJames StewartGlasgow & District Amal65,413*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

21LTB291

Ballot Returns

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Outstanding Uniform Terms of Reference Trial/Pilot Covering: Panther Discovery Female Fit (Sizes 2-7) and Vegan Trainer Footwear Panther Stormflex (formerly Vulcano) Boot Revised Stormproof Jacket

Branches may recall that over the past 18^th months or so there have been two further trials and one pilot concerning new and replacement uniform footwear and a revised Stormproof Jacket, which started in advance of the wider trial on the new full uniform range.

Whilst it can now be finally reported that all of these separate and outstanding trials and pilot have been concluded, it needs to be noted that the initial Terms of Reference timescales have overrun by quite some time.  This has been mainly due to delays on the part of the uniform manufacturers and their internal supply chain problems which are linked to the initial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

With these outstanding trials and pilot now completed, Branches can be advised of the following developments against these three new uniform items. For ease of reference, the trials and pilot activities have been listed separately below:

National Terms of Reference – Uniform Trial Panther Discovery Female Fit (Sizes 2-7) and Vegan Trainer.

LTB 314/19, dated the 24^th of May 2019 set out an agreed Terms of Reference covering a trial of the Panther Discovery Trainer which is made without any animal ingredients or by-products and sizes 2-7 are based on a female fit (and re-titled the Panther Emiliana Trainer).

As outlined above and due to initial supply chain issues, the actual trial was delayed by a number of months but finally commenced in September. The trial itself saw up to 1K of the trainers being issued (500 in sizes 2-7 and 500 sizes 8-13). The trial review and feedback confirmed a widespread positive response on the new footwear, in particular, as it is based on a female fit. Equally, feedback was very positive and supportive on the first Royal Mail vegan footwear option.

As such, it can now be confirmed that both the Panther Emiliana Trainer (female fit sizes 2-7) and Panther Discovery Trainer (size 8-13) will now be added to the Royal Mail non-safety footwear range.

National Terms of Reference – Uniform Pilot Footwear Panther Stormflex Boot (Formerly the Panther Vulcano Boot).  

LTB 420/20, dated the 12^th of August 2020 set out the pilot of the Panther Stormflex Boot (formerly titled the Vulcano Boot) designed to replace the Magnum Boot.

The Magnum Boot had been part of the footwear range for some 15 years and it was clear that it had fallen behind many other boot options available ‘in the wider marketplace’, in relation to its weight, flexibility and comfort. Equally, it was also noticeable that employee requests for the boot had been in decline over the past few years.

As such, a pilot was agreed on a possible replacement boot called the Panther Stormproof Boot which is based on the same sole and general design of the Panther safety Vieste Boot. Whilst the pilot was due to commence in September, again there were delays experienced on the part of the manufacturer’s supply chain.

In total some 1k of the boots were involved in the pilot and whilst feedback levels were slightly lower than hoped, it nonetheless confirmed a widespread positive response on the replacement boot.

As such, it can now be confirmed that the Panther Stormflex Boot will now be added to the Royal Mail non-safety footwear range as a direct replacement of the Magnum Boot.

National Terms of Reference – Uniform ‘Mini Proof of Concept Trial on a Revised Stormproof Jacket.

LTB 433/20, dated the 28^th of August 2020 set out the Terms of Reference of a ‘Mini’ Proof of Concept Trial on a Revised Stormproof Jacket.

The Terms of Reference itself was designed to seek some initial feedback on the revised Stormproof Jacket design in advance of the wider new uniform trials. Whilst the ‘mini’ trial was small scale, it nonetheless helped to inform some minor design adjustments which were made in advance of the Jacket being subject to the wider new uniform trial.

Noting the slight design changes which resulted in the ‘mini’ proof of concept trial, the feedback received was extremely high and very positive. This constructive and positive feedback on the revised jacket was also reflected in the wider new uniform trials.

Due to this high level of positive feedback and the need for Royal Mail to place a re-order of Stormproof Jackets this year, the decision was taken following further discussions (with the Union) by Royal Mail to move forward the switchover of the revisited Stormproof Jacket before the actual timelines for the national rollout of the new uniform in 2022.

As such, the revisited Stormproof Jacket will now be available in line with the current and normal uniform order process but noting that there remains some limited stock of the current version.

The conclusion of these outstanding two trials and pilot will hopefully be welcomed by Branches as it seeks to further improve footwear provisions and options for members (noting the Panther Discovery Emiliana Trainer are based on a female fit sizes 2-7) and will see a revised and improved Stormproof Jacket which will be available in advance of the wider national rollout of the new uniform range.

Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 500, email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch                                                                                       

CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 290-21 Outstanding Uniform Terms of Reference

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ELECTION OF NATIONAL DELEGATIONS 2021

• Labour Party Conference

Further to LTB 250/21, dated 11^th June 2021, please see below ballot results for the National Delegations which closed on the 7^th July 2021.

LABOUR PARTY – Postal Constituency

Lay Members  (4  Members to be elected)Paul BraithwaiteNorth Lancs & Cumbria41,332*ElectedJohn CarsonGlasgow & District Amal27,086 Huw DaviesLondon Phoenix52,009*ElectedHugh GaffneyGlasgow & District Amal62,498*ElectedKeith HamiltonSouth Central Postal40,466 Alan TateLondon Regional MT64,161*Elected

LABOUR PARTY – TFS Constituency

Lay Members  (3  Members to be elected)Graham ColkSouth Wales27,256*ElectedBrian KennyMersey29,384*ElectedRyan O’GormanNorth Wales & Chester Combined3,498 Steve PhillipsCentral Counties & Thames Valley7,942 David RayTyne & Wear Clerical18,996*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

LTB 289/21

Ballot Returns – Labour Party

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TERMS OF REFERENCE BETWEEN PARCELFORCE WORLDWIDE AND THE CWU IN RELATION TO THE DEPLOYMENT OF PHOTO ON DELIVERY

Branches and representatives will be aware that since the start of pandemic in March 2020 signature on delivery has been suspended in Parcelforce. However, 95% of Parcelforce deliveries require a signature and since this approach has been adopted delivery denials have increased by over 50% leading to a significant increase in compensation claims.  During this period other carriers have developed the use of photo on delivery and have reported a significant reduction in customer enquiries, complaints and compensation claims.

The ongoing Covid-19 related restrictions have increased the need for PFW to develop contactless delivery options, which provides proof of delivery and improves the safety of Parcelforce drivers and customers.  Equally, there is a growing demand from posting customers to provide evidence that their consignments have been delivered.

Discussions have therefore been taking place with PFW in regard to pilot activity relating to a photo on delivery process, which can be used instead of a signature being required at the point of delivery.  A Terms of Reference has now been concluded and endorsed by the Postal Executive, a copy of which is attached for information.

Colleagues will note that subject to the required technological changes being made to the PDA’s the pilot activity is anticipated to commence at Cleveland Depot on the 12^th July 2021 and will be jointly monitored via the Table of Success Joint Working Group process, to enable analysis of the outputs from the activity.

Subject to JWG recommendation and National sign off the remaining depots would then adopt the new process from week commencing 19^th July 2021.

Depots will be fully briefed on the changes including the following:

• Confirmation of the new delivery process and reasons for the change. Drivers will receive training on the new process and using the PDA to capture the photo.
• Clarification that photos should be taken of an open door and the parcel only. Photographs should not include an identifiable image of the customer and additional care should be taken in this regard where the parcel is accepted by a customer who may be a minor.
• Details that photos will need to be taken for all deliveries to the addressee/neighbour. This is not a requirement at Post Offices.
• Confirmation of how to deal with any customers that refuse for an image to be taken at the address (these will be treated in the same way as customers who refuse to sign for items)

The document acknowledges that there may be instances where a customer refuses, or objects to having their photo taken and includes protection for PFW drivers in such circumstances.

Subject to JWG recommendation and National sign off the remaining depots would adopt the new process from week commencing 19^th July 2021.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.orgquoting reference: 111.06

Yours sincerely 

Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary

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TERMS OF REFERENCE BETWEEN PARCELFORCE WORLDWIDE AND THE CWU IN RELATION TO THE DEPLOYMENT OF PHOTO ON DELIVERY

Background

The Table of Success processes have established a structure that strengthens the partnership approach and involves the CWU in the widest set of business issues. Building on this way of working together, the following Terms of Reference support the implementation of changes to help the business deal with delivery enquiries and potential customer claims.

Introduction

Since the start of pandemic in March 2020 signature on delivery has been suspended, with drivers instead entering XP1 in the signature field on the PDA.  Since this approach has been adopted delivery denials have increased by over 50%.  During this period other carriers have developed the use of photo on delivery and have reported a significant reduction in customer enquiries, complaints and compensation claims.

The ongoing Covid-19 related restrictions have increased the need for PFW to develop contactless delivery options, which provides proof of delivery and improves the safety of Parcelforce drivers and customers.  Approx. 95% of PFW deliveries should be signature on delivery and feedback from the PFW commercial team is that they want to introduce photo on delivery at the earliest point, in order that PFW Customer Service advisors can respond to queries from customers who claim that they have not received their parcel.  Equally, there is a growing demand from posting customers to provide evidence that their consignments have been delivered.

Subject to the required IT solution being finalised PFW will introduce photo on delivery, to replace signatures, it is currently anticipated that this will take place from 19^th July 2021.  The photo will assist in dealing with customer enquiries.  Initially the photo will be provided to posting customers upon request only. Customer Service advisors will access the image via PDA front-line.  Future phases of the project will aim to add the photo to the dashboard so that customers can self-serve.

Pilot Activity 

Pilot activity associated to the introduction of the Photo on Delivery initiative will take place in line with our established Table of Success processes via the Resourcing Joint Working Group format.

The change will be deployed to the devices in the last two weeks in June in switched off state.

The process will initially be deployed at Cleveland Depot from week commencing 12^th July 2021 and will be monitored for one week by the JWG.

The JWG will collect feedback from depots on the pilot activity and tailor support to address any business or employee concerns that are identified.

It is currently anticipated that the other depots will then adopt the new process from week commencing 19^th July 2021, subject to JWG recommendation and National sign off.

Proposed Introduction of Photo on Delivery

We will ensure that depots are fully briefed on the changes, including:

• Confirmation of the new delivery process and reasons for the change. Drivers will receive training on the new process and using the PDA to capture the photo.
• Clarification that photos should be taken of an open door and the parcel only.  Photographs should not include an identifiable image of the customer and additional care should be taken in this regard where the parcel is accepted by a customer who may be a minor.
• Details that photos will need to be taken for all deliveries to the addressee/neighbour. This is not a requirement at Post Offices.
• Confirmation of how to deal with any customers that refuse for an image to be taken at the address (these will be treated in the same way as customers who refuse to sign for items)

Once the depots/wider business has been fully briefed a change will be deployed to the PDA which after the item has been scanned, will replace the signature with a photo screen.

When the photo on delivery function is introduced, we will jointly monitor via the Table of Success Joint Working Group process, the following:

• Actual time taken to take photos; the initial assessment is that it takes no longer than signature. It has been agreed however that should additional time be required it will be added to the current PV’s, although current PV’s will not be reduced as a result of the introduction of this initiative.
• Improvement to customer enquiries, obtaining feedback from Customer Experience
• Customer feedback
• Feedback from depots and identify any improvement opportunities

It is acknowledged that on occasions drivers may get challenged by customers on taking a photo.  Where that is the case, we will ask drivers to politely advise the customer that they are requested to take a photo as proof of delivery, but where the customer refuses items will be returned to sender.

It is jointly recognised, that there could be instances where a customer may object or refuse to allow the driver to take a photo.   It is also recognised that with SOP’s adjusted due to current social distancing arrangements Drivers may not be able to retain the parcel.  Should this arise then under no circumstances should the driver become involved in a confrontation with the customer.  The driver should however report the incident to the De-briefer on return to the depot.  The driver will not be held responsible for the customer behaviour in such circumstances.

 Any questions of interpretation, implementation or application of this Terms of Reference shall be referred to the signatories as a matter of urgency and will be dealt with inside the provisions of the appropriate industrial relations framework.

Jamie Stephenson                                      Davie Robertson

Parcel Operations Director                      CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 287/21

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ROYAL MAIL: CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE (CE) – TEMPORARY INCREASE IN RESOURCING

Branches are advised that there will be a temporary increase to resourcing in Customer Experience to support the operation over the summer period.  The following Joint Statement highlights this positive development and also outlines the progress made in some of our Joint Working Groups linked to the Pathway to Change Agreement and the CE Refocus plan:

Dear Colleague,

 Temporary increase in resourcing

 As we start our journey on the CE refocus we thought it was important to provide a resourcing update which will support our operation and will hopefully ensure a better quality of service for our customers and in turn relieve pressure on you.

 In recent weeks we’ve explained our thinking regarding our refocus plan.  Following delivery of the Shorter Working Week, our attention has turned to the 6 strands of our refocus plan and our Joint Working Groups, that will help shape the necessary changes.  With any change plan it’s important to prepare for transition and resource appropriately.  We are therefore pleased to announce the following temporary resource measures to support our plans over the coming months:

 New Fixed Term Contracts (FTCs) – 15 agency workers have been converted to FTCs (in Dearne, Plymouth and Stoke).

 New agency – Over the coming weeks 103 Summer agency will be arriving to support our peak annual leave and to help facilitate term time.

 This is welcomed news for everyone in CE and although the additional support is being put in our Dearne, Doxford, Plymouth and Stoke sites, this will have a positive impact on our teams in Bangor and Glasgow as well and the work they do.

 You are encouraged to get involved and share your thoughts and ideas.

 Now that our Joint Working Groups are up and running you can expect to hear more about how you can get involved.

Planning for our extended opening hours pilot is well underway with more information being made available to the relevant teams in WTL’s over the next few weeks.  We’d encourage you to get involved if you can and support the pilot to help us gain the insight we need to create our optimum future working model.

 The Home/Office hybrid Joint Working Group has also met a number of times and an important communication will be coming out to you in due course from this group.

We hope you find these updates useful and they give comfort that all aspects of change are being jointly considered, including any impacts.  CE has lots of change ahead, but it is also an exciting opportunity to do things differently and for you to be part of shaping our future.

 As always thank you for your continued hard work and the care you give to our customers every day.  Please let us know if you have any comments on these matters by emailing CE.Enquiries.Inbox@royalmail.com

Kind regards,

Susan Howlett                                                      Andy Furey  

CE Director                                                           CWU Assistant Secretary

Our Representatives will continue to engage with management on each of the six Joint Working Groups over the coming weeks and further developments will be reported as appropriate.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

LTB 288/21 – Royal Mail – Customer Experience (CE) – Temporary Increase in Resourcing

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Joint Communication From Royal Mail And The CWU Regarding The Deployment Of Scan In Scan Out (SISO) In Processing Functions

Branches and representatives will be aware that activity that has been taking place in relation to the deployment of Scan In Scan Out (SISO), formally known as Automated Hours Data Capture (AHDC).

Attached for information is an agreed Joint Communication, to provide an update on activity that has been taking place in the processing functions. Colleagues will note that attached to the document are Processing Deployment Guidelines (Annex A). Also attached is FAQ sheet which details questions and responses from Joint Launch activity that took place on the 1^stJuly 2021 (Annex B).

In terms of the Processing Deployment Guidelines, extensive discussions have taken place to conclude the document, which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive.

The Processing Deployment Guidelines document recognises the key principles and enablers for the introduction of the SISO equipment focusing on the reason for deployment, the protection of individual’s privacy and supporting consultation and negotiation as outlined in the Industrial Relations Framework.  Commitment has also been obtained from RM that SISO data will be used in compliance with Royal Mail policies and GDPR regulations and the contents and spirit and intent of the 2018 Guiding Principles.

The document highlights that joint working at sites must commence at the start point for deployment activity and be maintained throughout.  Both parties should take joint ownership of all steps and in doing so ensure the following:

• Scan In/Scan Out will be the underlying technology tool used as the automated solution for employees to log in and out when an individual starts/finishes work and capture collective hours of attendance. Scans will only be required from employees aligned to the unit. This must include everyone who performs operational work, including those attending for OT/Rehab duties from other sites. Employees based at distant units will not be required to scan in or out when visiting the site as part of their duties.
• The automated solution across all Mail Centres and RDCs is consoles. However, there may be some large Parcel Sort Centres and Hubs (NDC and future hubs) where, due to the number of people and site layout, Speedstiles may be installed. National Joint Working Group will agree the list of all units with their unit specific automated solution i.e. Consoles or Speedstiles. This list will form part of this TOR as an Annexe A.
• The location of consoles and Speedstiles will be agreed locally, by the CWU and RM, before the design is finalised and signed off by the Plant Manager.
• The use of Speedstiles at any site will be for the express purpose of signing in at the start of the duty and signing out at the end of the duty and where possible, will be located close to the unit’s primary entry/exit point.
• Speedstiles will not act as a barrier or be used to record or control the movement of employees within the confines of the building during their shift.
• Only start and finish scans will be displayed on the dashboard to support resourcing arrangements. In-between scans will be discarded. No local manager will have access to any data other than individual’s start and finish time.
• Movement between work areas and time on / off the operational floor will not be monitored / captured via SISO and manual processes will continue as current.
• Consoles will be placed at an appropriate location agreed locally, preferably near existing signing on areas and/or close to the route to entry and exit to the operational floor. At sites included in the original AHDC TOR, i.e. PRDC, Greenford and Warrington, Speedstiles will be removed in line with the principles agreed this TOR.
• Agency consoles will be installed for the use of agency and casual workers; installation locations will be agreed locally.
• Local plans must be deployed in such a way that all employees feel respected and trusted coupled with their privacy being honoured. At no point must employees feel contained on the operational floor or being monitored, in line with the agreement. Therefore, joint local communication and engagement plans will be deployed in advance of the installation. This will inform our employees of the objectives of the project, what changes to expect on site and ensure they are aware of how to provide feedback to the project team.
• It is the responsibility of every RM employee to record their attendance by actively scanning in and out when they start and finish work. RM and CWU will work together to promote participation to ensure scan compliance is 100%.
• Installation plan to be jointly risk assessed.
• All Communications and engagement activities to be jointly agreed.
• The SISO project deployment lead will attend each unit and ensure co-ordination of all activities and report regularly to the Plant Manager and Local CWU representative on progress/issues for resolution.
• Ensure contractors fully understand locally agreed plan of installations; any input, advice or caution from contractors to be addressed jointly.

To support the deployment activity, each unit will be required to conduct a post implementation review twelve weeks after commencement of SISO.  This activity will enable joint analysis and assess whether the local deployment plan is achieving SISO’s agreed key principles, the quality of data being produced, start and finish scanning compliance and detail any learnings from the activity.

The department believes that the attached document now provides robust guidance for our representatives in the processing functions covered and ensures full CWU involvement from the earliest opportunity in relation to the SISO activity. 

Please note that separate discussions are currently taking place in relation to SISO activity in Delivery Offices and therefore the attached documentation is applicable only to the processing functions.  

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.orgquoting reference: 733.03

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary

LTB 285/21

Annex A – Joint Comms & Annex A – 06.07.21 (Signed)

Annex B – Processing SISO FAQs

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Dog Law for Professionals Seminars 2021 – Focusing on Criminal and Civil Dog Law:

Specialist dog law solicitor Trevor Cooper has contacted the Health, Safety & Environment Department to announce that with Covid lockdown restrictions now easing, he is proposing to run a new ‘Dog Law for Professionals’ seminar tour which will look at key dog law subject matter and current dog law developments and hot topics. Trevor wishes to gauge the level of interest and demand.

These highly recommended UK dog law seminars are hosted by the UK’s top dog law lawyer Trevor Cooper. Trevor Cooper (Solicitor) is the well-known principal lawyer of Cooper & Co. (Solicitors).

The dates for the new proposed professional dog law seminars tour for 2021 are:

• 1st November – London
• 2nd November – Bristol
• 3rd November – Manchester
• 4th November – Harrogate

The seminars cover a range of subject matter e.g.; Dangerous Dogs, Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, Dogs Act 1871, Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1965, The Law on Strays, Animal Welfare Law etc.

Seminars will cost £120 to attend.

Any CWU Rep interested in attending or for further information please send Doglaw Ltd an email to: info@doglaw.co.uk to express your interest or they can be contacted on 0800 999 3647.

These seminars are organised by Doglaw Ltd and are aimed at entertaining the audience as well as to educate and inform. The feedback received from these talks is consistently positive and that they represent good value for money. No prior legal knowledge is required so go along and learn!

Trevor Cooper’s seminars are recommended by the Health, Safety & Environment Department

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 284/21 – Dog Law for Professionals Seminars 2021 – Focusing on Criminal and Civil Dog Law

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UPDATE ON CWU ANTI-RACISM WORK

The purpose of this LTB is to update branches on the progress with the CWU Anti-Racism Statement and set out our next steps.

As set out in LTB 213/21, we produced this initiative in response to the TUC and Stand Up to Racism’s call for a one-off demonstration of taking the knee in workplaces.  We decided instead to produce a statement that called out racism and set out our values as an organisation to build a foundation upon which we could further engage members on our anti-racism work.

To date, we have had an excellent response from across the union to the statement, with over 12,000 CWU members voluntarily signing up.

The CWU Anti-Racism Statement is one of several important interventions that the union has made in recent years. These include:

• Achieving by far our biggest ever turnout at any national Anti-Racism demo
• Selling over 1500 CWU Anti-Racism football shirts in conjunction with Show Racism the Red Card and Fairshare
• Holding a very successful first ever live Facebook session directly with members

The above actions, in addition to the work of our Branches and the union’s historical activity in this area, has put CWU in the forefront of the trade union movement when it comes to anti-racism activities.

The NEC has now agreed to build on this foundation by developing a more robust day-to-day strategy, taking it out into the regions and branches. This will include educational and engagement activities, as well as further events and communications – all aimed at expanding direct engagement in a way that builds on the values of the union.

A further paper will be brought to the next NEC meeting with more detailed plans for this approach, linking back to the commitments made in the original Anti-Racism statement that has received widespread support from across the union.

Finally, a further copy of the CWU Anti-Racism Statement is attached to this LTB and we would ask Branches to continue to work on increasing membership sign up to this.

Any enquiries on the above LTB should be sent to the General Secretary’s office – jdunn@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward – General Secretary                                                           

Kate Hudson – Head of Equality, Education & Development
21LTB281 UPDATE ON CWU ANTI-RACISM WORK


CWU ANTI-RACIST STATEMENT

The values of a trade union bridge every divide and the CWU is a strong anti-racist organisation.

We deliver change together, we win ballots together, we take on employers together, and we will confront racism together.

Our priority is to unite working people by recognising that we share far more in common with one another than we do with those who seek to exploit and divide us.

The signatories of this statement commit to:
 

–  Calling out and challenging racism wherever we see it, in wider society or the workplace
 

–  Uniting working people, by being open to new effective approaches, including practical steps that tackle racism and all forms of injustice through the power of our collective strength

–  Promoting this statement to colleagues, friends and family – urging them to show their support.

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