Rivus Fleet Solutions – Selection Criteria for Redundancies

Further to LTB 312 on the redundancies in Rivus Fleet Solutions, you will find attached the selection criteria that will be used for TICs and Technicians.

This is the criteria that will decide who is and is not made redundant, so will be important in the redundancy consultation meetings.

A further LTB or email will follow at some point today with the Selection Criteria that Rivus will use for apprentices.

Yours sincerely,

Allan Eldred

Assistant Secretary

LTB 320/2020

Redundancy Selection Matrix TIC and Technicians (002)

Romford Mail Centre – Property Update

Further to LTB 370/19 issued on the 14^th June 2019 and the update published in LTB 715/19on the 19^th December 2019, Branches will recall that the lease on the current Romford Mail Centre site was extended until March 2023 as the final tenancy arrangement with the site reverting to the landlord from that date.

Discussions on the future of an alternative site in the Romford Area and an operational solution beyond that point have been progressing in line with the terms of the Refining the Processing Footprint Agreement.  This agreed process runs through a number of phases and has now reached the point where the business provides the union with their initial views on an operational solution.  Royal Mail have now communicated those views with our Representatives and members at Romford this afternoon.

The initial views of the company are disappointing in that they have indicated that from the scoping activity undertaken their initial thoughts are that they have the capacity to move the workload in the current Romford site across other Royal Mail buildings within the Greater London area.  In broad terms, the company have detailed some options involving the movement of processing work to other Mail Centres including the Chelmsford, London Central and Greenford plants.

While this announcement on initial thoughts is part of the agreed process, it is important that our members understand that the union does not accept that the initial views of the company on the future of a Romford site or on operational solutions are the right approach.

For clarity, the business has not announced a final decision and the CWU now has the opportunity working within the agreed process to develop and present alternative proposals with full input from our Royal Mail, Divisional, Area and senior Engineering and Fleet Representatives across all affected functions.  Our priority remains the protection of our members in Romford across all functions and affected business units and our intention will now be to develop proposals for the retention of a site in the Romford area beyond March 2023.  From both an operational and people’s perspective, we believe that this is the optimum solution and we remain fully committed to achieving a viable alternative long-term solution for Romford Mail Centre, beyond 2023.

We fully understand that today’s announcement will be disappointing and unsettling and further updates will be provided to our members across all functions as the process continues and our proposals are developed with a view to positively influencing any final decision.  For our Representatives across the Greater London and Anglia areas it is important to note that no final decision has been reached and that the union’s priority remains to retain a site in the Romford area.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference : 722.01

Mark Baulch, Assistant Secretary: Outdoor Department, email: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org quoting reference number: 230.03

Carl Maden, Acting Assistant Secretary; PTCS Department, email: khawkins@cwu.orgquoting reference number 041

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson                   Mark Baulch                           Carl Maden

Assistant Secretary                 Assistant Secretary               Acting Assistant Secretary

LTB 317/20

Release Scheme in Enterprise Service

Further to LTB 255 which updated branches on the redundancies in Enterprise Service. It has now been brought to our attention that this part of BT Enterprise is now running a release scheme.

The attached briefing from the Managing Director of Enterprise Service announces that the scheme will run from 15^th to 30^thJune. The last day of service for those whose applications are accepted will be 31^st July or the 31^st August. Applicants will be advised by week commencing 20^thJuly of the outcome of their application.

The company has advised us that the scheme will operate in all parts of Enterprise Service except Client Services. The company also advises us that the purpose of the scheme is to give people that haven’t had the opportunity to leave the company with a payment recently, the chance to do so. All applications will be considered but it may be that not everybody applying will be allowed to leave.

Branches will be updated when further information is available.

Yours sincerely,

Allan Eldred

Assistant Secretary

LTB 316/20

Release Scheme Management Briefing

POST OFFICE: CROWN OFFICE RETURN TO NORMAL OPENING HOURS

In LTB 163/20 dated 27th March, I advised Branches of an agreement with the Post Office to reduce opening hours in Crown Offices as a response to the Covid-19 lockdown.

I now wish to update Branches of the agreed timetable to return Crown Offices to their normal opening times as a result of the government announcing that non-essential shops can re-open in England, today, Monday 15th June.

Rather than simply let the Post Office announce the move back to traditional opening hours, it was felt we should take joint responsibility and provide the necessary leadership. Consequently, we engaged with the Post Office as result we have been able to significantly influence the outcome.

Below is a Joint Statement explaining the timetable and the rationale:

Joint Statement – PO, CWU and Unite Plan to Return to Normal Opening Hours

The Post Office, CWU and Unite have been reviewing the opening hours of branches as a response to the Government’s recent announcement to relax the lockdown and allow non-essential shops to re-open in England on Monday 15th June.

Post Offices are an essential service on the high street and therefore it has been agreed to return opening hours back to normal arrangements on a gradual basis. This structured approach will enable colleagues to adjust and allow us to continue to gauge the impact on the operations during these challenging times.

The important issues we have considered are:

▪ Level of staffing currently impacted by Covid-19
▪ Maintaining social distancing in the workplace and when travelling to work.

Whilst it is acknowledged that not all nations are in sync with the opening up of the high street, we wish to apply a consistent approach across the UK with the objective of being fully operational in the majority of branches by late July.

There are however some branches where self-isolation and shielding will impact more than others on the staffing levels. In these cases the network team and CWU Representative will work together to find bespoke solutions to try to ensure the branch is operational to meet customer demand.

The plan for opening hours for all offices and in addition we will maintain Saturday opening for all branches at 0900-1230 for the first three weeks:

• ➢  Week beginning 29th June: 0900 to 1600 (London 0930 to 1630 – currently opening 0930-1530)
• ➢  Week beginning 6th July:  0900 to 1700 (London 0930 to 1730) 
• ➢  Week beginning 13th July: 0900 to 1730 (London 0930 to 1730)
• ➢  Week beginning 20th July:    All branches to commence normal opening hours including the Saturday.

Finally, thank you all for your continued hard work throughout these challenging times. Your health, safety and wellbeing continue to be the absolute priority. Therefore we will continually review the situation and respond in a timely manner where appropriate.

Steve Blampied                                          Andy Furey                                                         Industrial Relations Rep –
Head of Directly Managed                      CWU Assistant Secretary                                Central, South West
Branch Network                                                                                                                         & Supply Chain

As we are in a potentially fluid situation, we will be jointly reviewing on an ongoing basis the effectiveness of these arrangements and will modify where appropriate if there is a demonstrable need to do so.

Finally, I would like to thank Lynn Simpson, Postal Executive member, who led on the talks with the Post Office.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey 
Assistant Secretary

LTB 315/20 – Post Office – Crown Office Return to Normal Opening Hours

Royal Mail Uniform Supply (COVID-19)

Following a number of enquiries into the Outdoor Department, we have sought an update from Royal Mail in relation to the impact the (COVID-19) Coronavirus has had on current uniform supplies.

Royal Mail have now advised us that there have been no overall problems in terms of general uniform supplies, however, there are some items of footwear and garments which are running low and re-supply orders have been delayed, due to the impacts of Coronavirus in terms of manufacturing, supply chain and shipping.

These items are:

• Magnum shoe and boot (both non-safety and safety) range
• Magnum |Bandera Active Trainers (non-safety)
• Maternity Polo Top (size XS)
• Blue Short Sleeved Shirts (size XS)
• Ladies Trousers (size 24L/28R)

In the case of any uniform garment not being available when ordered, Royal Mail have confirmed that individuals will be offered an ‘off-the-shelf’ alternative until stocks return. In the case of footwear alternative styles within the current uniform range will also be offered.

Additionally, Royal Mail has advised that if due to stock outages an individual order for footwear cannot be met and if the employee has tried the other alternative footwear options (from the new range) but these are not suitable, then it will approve up to £34 reimbursement cost towards alternative footwear purchased on a case-by-case basis (in line with the Royal Mail Footwear Reimbursement policy but without the need for any medical advice).

Finally, Royal Mail have also confirmed that whilst Coronavirus has impacted on the timescales surrounding uniform orders, the bulk are nonetheless still being processed and allocated within 3 to 5 working days.

Whilst it is hoped that Branches and Representatives will find this information useful and of assistance, any further enquires in terms of this issue should be directed to the Outdoor Department reference 500, email address:- outdoorsecretary@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch
CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 313/20 – Royal Mail Uniform Supply – Covid 19

CWU Against Racism

The CWU has continued its work on the development of a long-term strategy and high- profile campaign against all forms of racism. The union has a strong reputation for its anti- racist campaigning over many years – but now is the time to do more.

In line with this, we are launching ‘CWU Against Racism’ – an overarching branding which we will use to promote our anti-racism campaigning, educational work and membership engagement.
In the coming weeks and months, we will set out our plans in greater detail and engage the whole union in delivering the strongest strategy possible. We are also in a position to announce a series of events and resources in the short term which will increase the profile of the CWU in our anti-racism work.

• Building on our existing relationship and work, this week, 100 ex-professional footballers have agreed to wear and share images on their social media of a joint CWU / Show Racism the Red Card football shirt – please share these posts when you see them.
• Attached to this LTB is the CWU Against Racism logo, as well as T-Shirt and sticker designs – both can be purchased directly from Pellacraft.
• On Friday 19th June at 6pm we will host a Facebook live session with our members on the issue of racism. We have put together a panel of internal and external speakers. This will be given further publication via our communications channels.
• As previously advertised, we have a CWU Windrush event live on the CWU social media channels on Monday 22nd June.
• We have agreed to host a Facebook Live panel of BAME ex-professional footballers, jointly with Show Racism the Red Card. The date of this event is TBC.

Facing down and calling out racism is a key part of delivering the type of society we all want. The CWU will, as always, play our full part in that.

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

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson 
Head of Equality, Education & Development

Dave Ward
General Secretary

LTB 31420 – CWU Against Racism
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Re: Coronavirus COVID-19 – Supporting Members Returning to Work.

Over the last couple of weeks we have been engaging with Royal Mail to ensure any members returning to work from absence due to Coronavirus COVID-19 are given maximum support and any concerns are dealt with prior to returning to work including ensuring you understand what the environment currently looks like, what support you can expect and ensure your needs and concerns are taken into account.

This LTB and attachments explains the process we have agreed with Royal Mail, which should be followed, however not all stages may be required. It covers all Royal Mail Group employees, including Parcelforce and RMPFS. Quadrant will be covered by Compass Group Policy.

Members will be in different categories.

• Extremely clinically vulnerable – advised to shield
• Carers of extremely clinically vulnerable – have an NHS letter of the person they are shielding
• Clinically vulnerable – Over 70s, pregnant employees, or those with an underlying health condition
• Carers of clinically vulnerable – stringently social distancing
• Non-clinically vulnerable – e.g. employees at risk of domestic abuse

Members who are Extremely Vulnerable and Carers of Extremely Vulnerable

Members who have received the letter from the Government / NHS will continue to shield in line with the Government advice. Currently these dates are:-

• Wales – 16th August
• Scotland – 31st July
• England & Northern Ireland – 30th June

•  PLEASE NOTE THESE DATES MAY CHANGE

Members in the extremely vulnerable category will continue shielding until the dates above, unless Government advice changes or members receive updated advice themselves.

Members who are in all other Categories

It is understandable members may be fearful about returning to work and ensuring they keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Members should always follow Government / NHS advice. Whilst there is indication the Governments in England and Northern Ireland may extend the period of shielding, at the time of writing there has been no announcement.

We have agreed the following process with Royal Mail to support members returning to work. The process is a 4 step process to ensure all members’ concerns are taken into account and any adjustments required for you as an individual can be put in place for your safe return to the workplace. The process is a 4 step process, however, not all of the steps will be applicable to everyone. This process should be carried out with the full involvement of the appropriate CWU Representatives.

Step 1

Members will be contacted by their line manager to discuss their current circumstances and have a discussion about a return to work.

The discussion will be non-threatening, looking to support you and will include, however not be limited to:-

•  Ensuring you know of any social distancing measures which have been put in place and how they will be maintained.
•  Allow you to visit the office prior to returning where requested.
•  Ensure input from Occupational Health in any medical decision to return to work.
•  How members travel to and from work safely.
•  Ensure planned adjustments are in place prior to you returning to the workplace.
•  Agree to working different hours of attendance where requested.
•  Ensure any other concerns are raised and taken into account.

The form managers will use for this conversation is attached at Appendix A. Members who experience any difficulty with these conversations should contact their CWU representative.

Step 2

From the conversation in Step 1, a date should be arranged to have a further discussion around returning to work including what adjustments will need to be put in place. This can be to work from home where applicable.

Members should be offered a visit to their office so they can understand the measures which are in place to support their return to work.

This discussion should include any medical information and a referral to Occupational Health if appropriate.

Step 3

If required, this step should start to formulate what the return to work will look like. This will include any further discussion about medical information, including Occupational Health / GP advice.

Step 4

This conversation should be finalising a return to work, including the date or identify reasons why this cannot happen.

If agreed adjustments are not yet put in place, members will not be forced to return to work and will remain away from the workplace until the adjustments have been completed.

If followed correctly, the process above should ensure a safe return to work, with full involvement of CWU members and their representatives, ensuring concerns have been taken into account and any required adjustments made.

We encourage branches to ensure this LTB is given the widest possible circulation to all members.

All enquiries regarding the content of this LTB should be addressed to the PTCS Department, quoting reference 420. Email address: khay@cwu.org

Yours Sincerely,

Carl Maden
Assistant Secretary (Acting)

LTB 298/20
ATT.A
ATT.B

Rivus Fleet Solutions Redundancies

You will find attached a briefing that was sent to branches yesterday. The contents are self-explanatory. Branches will recall that Aurelius (a venture capitalist company) purchased BT Fleet last year and created the company Rivus Fleet Solutions to take over BT’s Fleet business.

There are over 60 potential compulsory redundancies threatened covering 22 locations. The company however, is dealing with the 22 locations as separate entities and because none of those locations have more than 20 employees at risk of redundancy, the minimum period for individual consultation is just 30 days. It is RVS’s intention for all redundancies to take place at the end of July. They have also said that they don’t see anybody leaving before that date.

The company has advised the union that they will be using the same selection process as used in the last round. However, they have also stated that they do not wish to lose their most productive employees and they will therefore not be asking if anybody wishes to volunteer to go.

It is essential that any member that seeks assistance from branches at IC meetings are supported.

Their proposal also includes changes to attendance patterns. These are largely reducing the daily opening hours at some workshops.

The union has responded to management seeking further information and dialogue, in a number of areas of their proposal. To be clear; no aspect of their proposal has been agreed by this union.

Yours sincerely,

Allan Eldred

Assistant Secretary

LTB 312/2020

TB 117.2020 – Rivus Fleet Redundancies 11.06.20