HSENI (Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland) Release Covid-19 Complaint Stats

HSENI has confirmed that the total number of complaints received between 16 March 2020 and 4 May 2020 relating to individual companies was 481.

The total number of complaints received also include some multiple complaints against particular companies. However, each complaint is investigated on an individual basis. Inspectors will also take note of the number of complaints logged against a company and the common areas of concern raised.

Up to the start of May all COVID-19 complaints were dealt with remotely.  While HSENI was still conducting site visits, these were restricted to functions such as the investigation of fatalities.  COVID-19 complaints were dealt with through a variety of means, not solely telephone or email.  Some of these complaints required clarification of the public health guidance and others required changes in work practices to comply with the guidelines. HSENI report that the volume of complaints received by HSENI, although not just as high as they were, is still high and remains constant.

The roll-out of strategic COVID-19 visits began on Monday 4 May 2020. These visits are initially being targeted at premises where there have previously been repeated complaints, including within the food processing sector.  Part of the purpose of the visits it to determine that the early measures introduced by companies remain in compliance with public health guidelines.  These are unannounced visits.

Seven inspections were completed last week and this week, 29 inspections have been completed to date (13.5.20 at 1pm) and a further 7 visits have been planned before the end of the week. HSENI currently employs 110 people and qualified inspectors make up 37% of the staff. HSENI currently has 28 inspectors who are able to deploy in the field.

Others who are not able to deploy in the field continue to respond to complaints remotely. On 30 March 2020 HSENI reported that it had received a 900% increase in complaints and a very high volume of requests for information and advice. The majority of this unprecedented volume of calls were about ‘COVID-19’ and ‘social distancing’ in the workplace. Local councils had also received a large number of requests for assistance to protect workers’ health and safety.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

20LTB265 HSENI (Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland) Release Covid-19 Complaint Stats

JOINT STATEMENT – PARCELFORCE DEALING WITH BANK HOLIDAY DEMAND DURING COVID-19

Branches and representatives are informed that throughout the Covid-19 crisis the department have been involved in regular discussions with Parcelforce in relation to managing the unprecedented volumes in the network. At various points Parcelforce have proactively switched off service guarantees and removed product offerings to mitigate the increases in workload that have and continue to be experienced.

While there has been some success in managing volume, the migration from B2B to B2C has created a scenario where a comparative amount of volume has resulted in a vastly increased level of delivery stops, which has led to backlogs across the business.

Discussions are underway in relation to the longer term implications of this situation and how this can be managed. However, in the immediate term the business has indicated that in recognition of the efforts of our members they would like to offer the Christmas Pressure levels of remuneration for drivers who are willing to perform overtime over the next two weekends.

Attached for information is a Joint Statement, which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive, covering the terms of the additional payment, which would effectively apply a double time rate to all hours worked on overtime Saturday and Sunday 23rd & 24th and 30th & 31st May 2020.

We recognise that many members may value time away from the workplace at this time. Therefore, unlike at Christmas the department has insisted that there is no minimum commitment with regard to the number of days attended, although any attendance commitment would be for a minimum of 6 hours.

As such the agreement does not require any individual to make an advance commitment to attend for a multiple number of days or the whole of the weekends in question but does ensure that there are additional rewards for any of our members who do wish to attend over these weekends. Any extension of these arrangements beyond this period would be subject to further discussions and agreement.

The department hopes that the recognition and additional payment that is being offered will be welcomed by members and representatives are now encouraged to engage locally with management in relation for resourcing requirements for the weekends in question.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference 014.14

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary

LTB 264/20

Final Joint Statment – Dealing with BH Demand COVID19 – 21.05.20

£200 COVID-19 Recognition Payment

Further to LTB 254/20 and the attached Joint Statement circulated on 15^th May 2020, Branches/colleagues should be aware that the DGS(P) department has received a number of enquiries relating to the qualifying criteria for this payment. I have formally raised these issues with the business and further dialogue is continuing.

Branches/colleagues must however remember that it was only following pressure from the union nationally that management decided to make a payment at all and therefore it is important to point out that the £200 payment is a one-off discretionary, non-contractual payment and not subject to the usual criteria in place for other lump sum payments – the most notable of which being the two Christmas lump sum payments.

The union will of course endeavour to ensure that as many members as possible receive all or part of this discretionary payment, but it must be remembered that the main focus of this payment is to acknowledge colleagues who have worked throughout the current COVID-19 crisis and continue to do so.

We should also not lose sight of the very real challenge the union and its members face due to the loss of letter traffic and the impact this has had on Royal Mail’s financial position. Equally it is of the utmost importance that we establish a framework for high level talks to resolve our current dispute and our 2020 pay claim.

The DGS(P) Department will ensure that Branches are provided with additional updates as further developments occur. In the meantime Branches are asked to circulate this LTB as widely as possible and to please stay safe.

Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be addressed to the DGS(P) Department.

Yours sincerely,

Terry Pullinger

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)      

LTB 263/20 – £200 COVID19 RECOGNITION PAYMENT

Organ Donation Law Change In England From Today 20 May 2020

Further to LTB 269/2019 dated 1 May 2019, and CWU Conference policy to support the promotion of organ and blood donation, this is to inform Branches and Regions that the law around organ donation in England changes as of today 20 May 2020. This change is warmly welcomed by NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT) who are certain that the change will lead to more lives being saved through organ donation.

As a result of the law change, all adults in England will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when they die unless they have (a) recorded a decision not to donate or (b) have nominated someone to make a donation decision for them or (c) are in one of the excluded groups. Otherwise it will be considered that the individual has agreed to donate their organs. A new ‘opt out’ system for organ donation has been introduced as part of the change.

The excluded groups are:

• people under 18
• people who lack the capacity to understand the change
• people who have lived in England for less than 12 months or who are not living in England voluntarily

In the new opt out system people still have a choice about whether or not to donate and can record their decision at any time – before or after the opt out system comes into effect.  Where donation is a possibility, families are always consulted to ensure NHSBT knows what the person who has died wanted to happen.

NHSBT have explained that the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on organ donation and transplantation in the UK.

The Government has advised that it is unlikely that donation will proceed under deemed consent during the current pandemic because people are distanced and communication between relevant parties is more challenging.

Therefore, while the NHS continues to deal with Coronavirus/COVID-19, where possible and supported by the local donor hospital, the NHS will continue to approach families about donation and will do so with their usual empathy and sensitivity. Where there isn’t a recorded or known decision, NHS will support families to make a decision on behalf of their loved one.

NHSBT are working closely with the wider NHS and already have plans in place to return vital organ donation and transplantation services to normal as soon as it is safe to do so.  Transplant centres are gearing up to re-open, or extend their service, in the next two weeks.

There are a number of myths and misconceptions around the opt out system and that’s why it is so important that NHSBT continue to educate and inform people about the law change, the choices available to them and the organ donation process.

Whilst NHSBT have had to reduce the intensity of their public information campaign over recent weeks due to COVID-19, they remain firmly committed to publicising the change in the law. They inform us that they are in the process of planning the next phase of the campaign, which will go live later this year.  In the meantime, there will be adverts on the radio and digital radio, and they will continue working with journalists to get stories in the media and posting informative content on their social channels. They have requested that supporting organisations including the CWU help in communicating the message to ensure as many people as possible are aware of the law change and understand the vitally important need for organ donation and the benefit from life-saving, life-transforming transplants. At the same time NHSBT seek to reassure people that it is still their choice whether or not to be an organ donor. People’s faith, beliefs and culture will continue to be respected.

What is organ and tissue donation? 

Organ and tissue donation is giving your organs and/or tissues to help save or improve the lives of others when you die. One organ donor can save or transform the lives of up to nine people. Tissue transplants can also significantly improve a person’s quality of life. This might be a cornea to help someone see again, a replacement heart valve to treat a heart defect, or skin to treat severe burns.

Why is the law around organ donation changing? 

Around three people die each day across the UK in need of an organ, because not enough organs are available for transplant. But only 1% of people die in circumstances that would allow them to donate. Most people support organ donation in principle and would be willing to donate their organs after their death. However, many people do not make this decision clear either by signing on to the NHS Organ Donor Register or telling their family. The change in law better reflects what most people want to happen and will help save and improve more lives.

Further information 

You can obtain further information on the NHSBT Website at:  www.nhsbt.nhs.uk

NHSBT Animation Video link

https://nhsbtdbe.blob.core.windows.net/umbraco-assets-corp/15840/opt-out-animation-2019.mp4

Information Telephone Line.

Any member wishing to speak to somebody about their choices can call a dedicated line: 0300 303 2094

Factsheet

The NHSBT factsheet explains how the law around organ donation in England is changing, what you need to do, and the choices you can make. A copy is attached.

Other Parts of the UK

Wales: Similar legislation was introduced in December 2015.

Scotland: Similar Legislation will come into force in March 2021.

Northern Ireland: The current legislation for Northern Ireland is an ‘opt in’ to organ and tissue donation system, unlike the rest of the UK which has now changed. The Northern Ireland Assembly decided in 2016 not to proceed with any changes to the basis of consent for organ donation.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 262/20 – Organ Donation Law Change In England From Today 20 May 2020

Attachment – organ-donation-law-in-england-factsheet-updated-May 2020

Celebrating Windrush Day – Monday 22nd June 2020

The CWU has been at the heart of pushing for social justice in terms of the trade union movement’s efforts around Windrush. Last year was the first time a National Rally was organised and this took place on Sunday 22nd June 2019. A number of CWU activists attended the rally and our Union is committed to ensuring that future Windrush Days are strongly remembered and acknowledged. 

Given the Covid-19 pandemic, gatherings of any kind are prohibited and are likely to be for the foreseeable future. In response to this, the CWU has been considering our options and in collaboration with a number of our BAME representatives, we are delighted to put forward the following programme of events that are designed to highlight the social injustices of Windrush but also to recognise the significant contribution made to our society. 

Windrush Webinar

We are in the process of organising a special webinar that will see high profile guests speaking about Windrush and the impact this has had on those communities. This is planned to take place on Monday 22nd June. Further details will be announced in due course. 

With the assistance of our Communications Dept, the CWU will be creating some promotional material. When this is produced, we will be grateful if you could share this extensively on social media. We intend to showcase the event throughout the Trade Union movement, as due to the anticipated limited Windrush activities, interest on the webinar is expected to be high. 

CWU members and reps will have an opportunity to put questions to our guests, once they have addressed their online audience. 

Windrush Competition

This exciting initiative is open to CWU members and their families. When we talk about Windrush to many people this will mean many things – from the invaluable contributions to the health & transport sectors to the various regiments that assisted the British army in both world wars and the unacceptable aspects of today’s hostile environment created by the Tory government. 

The competition will be a chance for the CWU to create a historic resource that will reflect all those sentimental and special memories associated with Windrush. We are inviting you, as part of the competition to submit entries around the following: 

1. Poetry 

2. Short Windrush Stories, linked to Windrush experiences 

3. Family Photographs 

4. Paintings/Artwork 

5. Recipes 

6. Decorated cakes 

7. Letters (this option is open to children up to the age of 12) – Write a letter to the British Prime Minster expressing your thoughts around Windrush and what the Government should be doing to acknowledge this very important chapter in British History. 

The competition opens on Monday 1st June and closes on 1st September 2020 at which point the best entries will be judged (by the CWU Windrush Working Party) and a prize will be given to the best entry in each category. 

Once all of the entries have been received, the intention will be to put them into a newly created digitalised CWU Windrush book. Please send all your entries via email to: Equality&Education@cwu.org Any images should be sent as attachments and not embedded into the email itself. We will ideally need high quality images and scans for the book. 

Any queries on this LTB should be directed to Equality&Education@cwu.org 

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson 
Head of Equality, Education & Development

20LTB 261 – Celebrating Windrush Day

IDAHOBIT Day

Sunday 17th May is IDAHOBIT Day and the Equality, Education & Development department are writing to Branches to make you aware of the importance of this very important occasion. 

IDAHOBIT Day commemorations began in 2005 after it was internationally recognised that the level of homophobic abuse had reached very critical levels. One of the main intentions behind IDAHOBIT Day is to recognise and celebrate gender and sexual diversities around the world. 

IDAHOBIT Day provides a powerful statement to demand improvements for people’s quality of lives overseas and here in the UK. These human rights atrocities simply must not go unchallenged. 

For many decades trade unions have been in the forefront of the battle for equality in the workplace and in society. Through campaigning, awareness raising and representing those who suffer discrimination, we can make a real difference. 

The CWU has celebrated IDAHOBIT day for a number of years now and this year we have also prepared a short video with messages from a number of Regional LGBT+ Leads along with a message from Helen Cooper, who is our NEC Lead on LGBT+. 

• A year ago to the day the TUC launched its report into workplace sexual harassment of LGBT+ workers. 
• Nearly 7 in 10 LGBT+ people have been sexually harassed at work 
• More than 4 in 10 (42%) said colleagues made unwelcome comments or asked unwelcome questions about their sex life. 
•  More than a quarter (27%) had received unwelcome verbal sexual advances.
  
  Around two-thirds (66%) of LGBT+ people did not tell their employer about the harassment. 
•  Around (25%) of those who did not report the sexual harassment, a quarter were prevented from raising the issue by their fear of being ‘outed’ at work. 
•  LGBT+ women were particularly likely to experience sexual assault at work. 
• over a third of women (35 per cent) had experienced unwanted touching, for example placing hands on their lower back or knee as had one in six men (16 per cent) 
• over one fifth (21 per cent) had experienced sexual assault for example unwanted touching of the breasts, buttocks or genitals, attempts to kiss as had one in eight men (12 per cent) 
• one in eight (12 per cent) LGBT+ women had been seriously sexually assaulted or raped at work as had one in fourteen men (7 per cent). 
  
  LGBT+ BAME and disabled womenBAME and disabled women reported even higher rates of harassment and sexual assault. 
• More than half (54%) of LGBT+ BAME women have experienced unwanted touching at work, 45% reported sexual assault and over a quarter (27%) reported serious sexual assault or rape. 
• Half (50%) of LGBT+ disabled women reported unwanted touching, nearly 4 in 10 (38%) reported sexual assault and almost a quarter (24%) reported serious sexual assault or rape. 

Reports on the increase in LGBT+ hate Crime

• The number of transgender hate crimes recorded by police forces in England, Scotland and Wales has risen by 81% – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-48756370
• The rate of LGBT+ hate crime per capita rose by 144% between 2013-14 and 2017-18. In the most recent year of data, police recorded 11,600 crimes, more than doubling from 4,600 during this period. – https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/14/homophobicand-transphobic-hate-crimes-surge-in-england-and-wales

Branches are encouraged to bring this LTB to the attention of all of their members. 

Any queries on this LTB should be directed to Equality&Education@cwu.org 

Yours sincerely, 

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

20LTB 260 – IDAHOBIT Day

Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) 18 – 24 May 2020 – Royal Mail Group Campaign & Communications Plan – “Kindness Matters”:

Royal Mail Group have today, shared with the CWU/HQ Health Safety and Environment Department their plans for next week’s Mental Health Awareness Week, the outline details of which are set out below and in the attached Communications pack, we are circulating for the information and attention of Health and Safety Reps, Mental Health First Aiders and Ambassadors, CWU Branches and Regions.

RMG’s Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW):-

Communications Plan:

See attached three key, central articles which will go out across the Royal Mail Group intranet news and ‘Myroyalmail.com’ pages next week, as well as a slide which will go on to every workplace plasma screen across the business.

• Being a key worker and the stress and anxiety that can be associated with that.
• Managing relationships and domestic abuse guidance
• Supporting colleagues following a bereavement or illness of a loved one
• myroyalmail.com/yourmentalhealth

Promoting some options for workers:

Royal Mail Group’s Safety Health and Environment team will continue to promote mental health options for workers in distress as follows;

• Mental health support is available from the First Class Support helpline which is available 24/7. It’s confidential and free to use.
• Talk to the GP.
• Visit the Feeling First Class website where staff can access lots of support material.‎
• Talk to a manager, Union Rep, Mental Health First Aider/Ambassador or colleague (following government social distancing guidelines at all times if face to face) who can help guide individuals to the right support services.
• Stressing to those struggling that conversations will be treated confidentially.
• Supporting each other – communicate, encourage colleagues to talk and take the time to listen without judgement, some people just need to be heard, others need professional support and directing to support services and help them to access what they need.

Reminding The Workforce That Help is at Hand as follows:

• First Class Support is a 24/7, completely confidential and independent helpline for employees. Call 0800 6888777 to receive the following support:
• Shout Mental Health Text Service is a free, nationwide, 24/7, text based service. Text Shout to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer.
• Mental health support – Call and speak with someone trained to help you immediately with your mental health. Support can help with any work-related or personal issues in a non-judgemental and confidential environment. A range of care is available and can be provided by telephone or face to face.
• Legal signposting – Legal information is available via telephone with a legal expert (for up to 20 minutes) on a wide range of issues.
• Practical help – Advice on how to clear debts is available, even large debts which are out of control. Understand government benefits, resolve accommodation issues and receive guidance on accessing elder and child care, cancer and disability support. Domestic violence is an issue that can sometimes occur and support and guidance can be provided to those impacted.
• Manager coaching – Coaching on how to help and support others going through change or where there are traumatic situations at work such as a road traffic accident or assault. It also includes those times where there is a workforce conflict or if there are difficult behaviour issues at work.
• Physical health – Life-style support designed to increase physical health and fitness as well as improving work life balance and resilience. Information can also be provided for Royal Mail Groups wellbeing website Feeling First Class (see below for more information).
• The Feeling First Class Portal has helpful support content for mental and physical health as well as the mental health e-Learning.
• Urgent Crisis Support – The Samaritans (Phone: 116 123 -open 24/7).
• Rowland Hill Fund: 0345 600 4586rowlandhillfund.org offering financial aid to the workforce, pensioners and their families in times of need.
• Neyber: Through My Bundle’s Financial Wellbeing option you can access debt consolidation loans and financial education. Log into My Bundle through PSP or visit myroyalmail.com.
• Stepchange: Offering expert, tailored advice and practical solutions to problem debt, contact the UK’s leading debt charity on 0800 138 1111 or visit stepchange.org.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

20LTB259 Mental Health Awareness Week 18 – 24 May 2020 – RMG Campaign & Communications Plan – Kindness Matters

MHAW 1 Key Worker Stress and Anxiety FINAL

MHAW 2 Managing Relationships FINAL

MHAW 3 Supporting Colleagues Following a Bereavement or Illness FINAL

MHAW 2020 Plasma Slide v1

Mental Health Awareness Week 18 -24 May 2020

What is Mental Health Awareness Week and when does it happen?

Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 May 2020.

The theme for 2020 is ‘kindness’.

Mental Health Awareness Week is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health and mental health problems and inspire action to promote the message of good mental health for all.

Mental Health Awareness Week has been run by the Mental Health Foundation since 2001.

How can I get involved in Mental Health Awareness Week?

During Mental Health Awareness Week, hundreds of events take place around the country to raise awareness for mental health. Schools, businesses, community groups and even people in their own homes host events to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation.

CWU Organised Events:

• On Tuesday 19^th May at 6pm CWU will host a Facebook live session nationally. Dave Ward and Dave Joyce will be joined by prominent Labour MP Rosena Allin-Khan with other guests TBC. The CWU will outline our work on developing our mental health strategy and the panel will take questions from the membership. Full details of the session will be shared on the CWU social media channels this weekend.
• CWU North West Region & North West Mental Health Network – Mental Health Online Q&A Zoom Event Wednesday 20^th May at 5pm (See LTB257/20).

Sign up to their newsletter to receive the latest updates on this campaign.

What resources are available?

If you’re running an online fundraising event or even if you just want to raise awareness, maybe via your website or social media, there are a variety of resources available.

You can also download the Mental Health Awareness Week supporter pack – filled with lots of fun and exciting ways to support during the week.

Due to COVID-19, orders for their green ribbon pins and ‘how to’ guides have been temporarily suspended, however you can still download each of their guides free of charge and use their virtual green ribbon pin via social media. Find out more.

How can I fundraise during Mental Health Awareness Week?

The Mental Health Foundation is a charity that relies on public donations and grant funding to deliver and campaign for good mental health for all.

Check out their list of Virtual Events that you can get involved with this May!

Why kindness?  

Kindness has been chosen because of its singular ability to unlock our shared humanity. Kindness strengthens relationships, develops community and deepens solidarity. It is a cornerstone of our individual and collective mental health. Wisdom from every culture across history recognises that kindness is something that all human beings need to experience and practise to be fully alive.

Celebrate kindness

Shine a light on the ways that kindness is already flowering at this time. We have seen it in the dancing eyes of 100-year-old Captain Tom Moore  as he walked his garden to raise money for the NHS and in the mutual aid groups responding to local needs. We want that kindness to spread further in every community in the UK.

Finally, use the week to explore the sort of society we would like to emerge from the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Kindness and Mental Health  

Kindness is defined by doing something towards yourself and others, motivated by genuine desire to make a positive difference.  We know from the research that kindness and our mental health are deeply connected. The research shows that kindness is an antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging. It helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships. Kindness to ourselves can prevent shame from corroding our sense of identity and help boost our self-esteem.  Kindness can even improve feelings of confidence and optimism.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, do three things:  

• Reflect on an act of kindness. Share your stories and pictures (with permission) of kindness during the week using #KindnessMatters and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
• Use the resources available in your family, school, workplace and community to join with thousands in practising acts of kindness to yourself and others during the week
• Share your ideas on how you think we could build a kinder society that would support our mental health using #KindnessMatters and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

MHFA Address Your Stress Toolkit
In 2018 Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England launched their Address Your Stress Toolkit to support that year’s campaign and the Toolkit remains a useful resource.  This included a set of practical resources designed to help people better understand and manage stress. The toolkit is still available to those wishing to use it on the above link.

Get involved
The Mental Health Foundation and MHFA want Mental Health First Aiders, Trade Union Reps, Mental Health Ambassadors and Champions to support the Mental Health Awareness Week campaigns and to make the most of the information and toolkits provided during Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond. The CWU Health Safety and Environment Department is joining with MHFA England, Mental Health Foundation, Mind, Re-Think Mental Health and the Samaritans in supporting Mental Health Awareness Week.  We are therefore encouraging Reps to get involved with the campaigns within the Union, as well as with friends, family and colleagues.

Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA) have produced a short video ‘supporting your mental health whilst working at home’ which is available on the following link:

https://youtu.be/es8l7JAyYMk

Useful links

Mental Health Foundation and Mental Health at Work New Partnership Information:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/news/mental-health-foundation-welcomes-leading-workplace-enterprise-its-group

Mental Health Foundation – How to support someone with a mental health problem:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/supporting-someone-mental-health-problem

Mental Health Foundation home page:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 256/20 – Mental Health Awareness Week 18 -24 May 2020

280420-MHAW-Printable-Poster-Colour-A3

Session with Dave and Terry. Please make sure every member sees it https://www.facebook.com/ThecommunicationsUnion/videos/236723440951584/?vh=e&d=n

DO NOT REPLY 🛑