Distribution of Coronavirus Testing Kits

The government has announced that Royal Mail will have a role in the distribution of Coronavirus testing kits to NHS and Social Care frontline staff currently in isolation and will be exclusively responsible for the collection of these kits.

A statement from Royal Mail is attached. Royal Mail says “conveying medical supplies through our network is something we do daily….. what is important is that we treat these items as the priority and take care when handling them not to damage the kit and protect our people”.

NHS workers will post their samples into one of 13,000 priority post boxes. The sample will be placed into a corrugated cardboard box and then into a plastic envelope. This packaging complies with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines and will be specifically labelled and packaged for easy identification. The intention is to issue plastic bags to collection drivers so that the items do not need to be touched when identified and removed from post boxes.

In line with our support for Royal Mail‘s key role at this time of national crisis, CWU welcomes the government’s decision to entrust this crucial task, which will enable as many NHS and care workers to return to work as soon as possible, to the Royal Mail network.

The union will of course expect to be fully consulted on the safety and operational measures to be adopted and discussions with the business are in progress.

Any enquiries on the above should be addressed to the General Secretary’s office at

gsoffice@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Ray Ellis

Acting National Health & Safety Officer

LTB 161 Distribution of Coronavirus Testing Kits

RM Statement – Test Kits

One to share. This has gone down well with members

https://www.standard.co.uk/business/comment-posties-among-the-true-heroes-of-the-crisis-a4399701.html

DO NOT REPLY 🛑

PRIVATE CARS ON DELIVERY DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Branches will be aware that once again, Royal Mail have taken the decision to publish Advice/Guidance to the field, on this occasion in relation to the use of Private Vehicles on Delivery by our members working in Delivery Offices.

We have been attempting to discuss the document with the company over the last couple of days, sharing our concerns, governing the use of the vehicle, insurance issues, out of pocket cost to our members, and a host of other items including ensuring that this would only be a temporary initiative for the duration of the current Coronavirus crisis and would end as soon as practically possible given the previous history of private car use and ceasing this practice with the introduction of delivery methods.

On Wednesday the 24^th of March, we proposed a joint statement to the company that would put the matter on a sure footing with our members and representatives alike in terms of putting some sureties around both the intended use of the vehicle and what more importantly it could not be used for, together with a clear intention of both parties to cease the arrangement as soon as possible. There has been no formal response to this document, indicative once again of the kind of relationship that certain parties within the company want with this Trade Union going forward, sickeningly, even at a time of major crisis. The proposed Joint Statement is attached for your reference.

Following on from the above, and most disappointingly, the company, at a level above where we were having the discussion, decided to plough on ahead with the release of the document which resulted in an avalanche of enquiries into both the Outdoor and Health & Safety Departments. The department then decided to seek urgent legal advice on the content of the guidance pack and subsequently forwarded a number of questions to the employer late this afternoon, the answers to which are attached for your information.

Branches will therefore note, and should bring to the immediate attention of all our members working in Delivery Offices, that using their private vehicles without Business Use Insurance will mean that they are driving on Third Party Insurance Cover onlybut can of course cancel your agreement to use their vehicles at any time.

Any enquiries should be addressed to outdoorsecretary@cwu.org

Yours Sincerely,

Mark Baulch 

Assistant Secretary

LTB 160.20

Legal Q & A’s to RM Private Cars doc

RM_CWU National Joint Statement on Delivery Social Distancing Guide mb1 draft

Royal Mail 2019 – Motor Certificate – Occasional Business Use (OBU)

USE OF PRIVATE VEHICLES ON DELIVERY_v1.1

Creating a Travel and Expenses Claim for an Employee

RMPFS Agreement – Update Joint Statement

Further to LTB 525/19 detailing the joint agreement between PFSL and the CWU, which was endorsed by our members in relation to pay for CWU represented grades in RM Property & Facilities Solutions Limited (PFSL), this update gives you the progress thus far, whilst also providing notice of the pay increases due for payment from 1st April 2020.

Implemented April 2019 (paid in October 2019 salaries with arrears to April 2019)

          Cleaners

• A 2.5% consolidated base salary increase on 1st April 2019, which flowed through to pensionable cash allowances
• A £200 lump sum payment paid in October 2019 and consolidated in April 2020.
• The cleaning grading structure moved to two pay rates with individuals moved from starter rate to maximum rate after two years of employment, replacing the previous 36 months’ three incremental scale to maximum pay arrangements.
• Sunday premium moved to a rate .25 of the hourly rate being added to the appropriate standard hourly rate for working conditioned hours, whilst also providing buy out arrangements for those receiving higher hourly rates on Sunday.
  
  Engineering, Admin & Generic 
•  A 2.5% consolidated base salary increase on 1st April 2019, which flowed through to pensionable cash allowances.Implementation from 1st April 2020 to be paid in April 2020 SalariesCleaners 
• Consolidation of £200 lump sum payment (which was paid in October 2019)

• A 3.3% consolidated base salary increase effective from 1st April 2020, flowing through to pensionable cash allowances.
• For Static and Multi site cleaners on starter rates, the above two points do not apply, however they will receive the government National Living Wage increase from 1st April 2020.
• As part of the Agreement there is a joint commitment to move cleaners to the Living Wage Foundation pay rate. To support this, we are jointly tracking progress towards this commitment. The intention is to move cleaners to the LWF rate in 2022 if this has not been achieved during the 3-year period of the pay agreement. Engineering, Admin & Generic 
•  A 2.5% consolidated base salary increase effective from 1st April 2020, flowing through to pensionable cash allowances

We believe this Joint Statement and pay agreement is a positive position to reach with PFSL. We are therefore jointly committed to continuing to work together to ensure the continued success of the business along with ensuring job security and improvement to our members terms and conditions.

The attached joint statement will be circulated by RMPFS at the same time as the release of this LTB.

Any enquiries regarding the content of the above should be addressed to the Outdoor Department quoting reference 540, email address: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org or contact the PTCS Department, quoting reference 301. Email address: khawkins@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch
Assistant Secretary

Carl Maden
Assistant Secretary (Acting)

LTB-159/20

Attachment – Joint Statement

RMPFS Agreement – Update Joint Statement

Further to LTB 525/19 detailing the joint agreement between PFSL and the CWU, which was endorsed by our members in relation to pay for CWU represented grades in RM Property & Facilities Solutions Limited (PFSL), this update gives you the progress thus far, whilst also providing notice of the pay increases due for payment from 1st April 2020.

Implemented April 2019 (paid in October 2019 salaries with arrears to April 2019)

          Cleaners

• A 2.5% consolidated base salary increase on 1st April 2019, which flowed through to pensionable cash allowances
• A £200 lump sum payment paid in October 2019 and consolidated in April 2020.
• The cleaning grading structure moved to two pay rates with individuals moved from starter rate to maximum rate after two years of employment, replacing the previous 36 months’ three incremental scale to maximum pay arrangements.
• Sunday premium moved to a rate .25 of the hourly rate being added to the appropriate standard hourly rate for working conditioned hours, whilst also providing buy out arrangements for those receiving higher hourly rates on Sunday.
  
  Engineering, Admin & Generic 
•  A 2.5% consolidated base salary increase on 1st April 2019, which flowed through to pensionable cash allowances.Implementation from 1st April 2020 to be paid in April 2020 SalariesCleaners 
• Consolidation of £200 lump sum payment (which was paid in October 2019)

• A 3.3% consolidated base salary increase effective from 1st April 2020, flowing through to pensionable cash allowances.
• For Static and Multi site cleaners on starter rates, the above two points do not apply, however they will receive the government National Living Wage increase from 1st April 2020.
• As part of the Agreement there is a joint commitment to move cleaners to the Living Wage Foundation pay rate. To support this, we are jointly tracking progress towards this commitment. The intention is to move cleaners to the LWF rate in 2022 if this has not been achieved during the 3-year period of the pay agreement. Engineering, Admin & Generic 
•  A 2.5% consolidated base salary increase effective from 1st April 2020, flowing through to pensionable cash allowances

We believe this Joint Statement and pay agreement is a positive position to reach with PFSL. We are therefore jointly committed to continuing to work together to ensure the continued success of the business along with ensuring job security and improvement to our members terms and conditions.

The attached joint statement will be circulated by RMPFS at the same time as the release of this LTB.

Any enquiries regarding the content of the above should be addressed to the Outdoor Department quoting reference 540, email address: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org or contact the PTCS Department, quoting reference 301. Email address: khawkins@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch
Assistant Secretary

Carl Maden
Assistant Secretary (Acting)

LTB-159/20

Attachment – Joint Statement

Parcelforce Worldwide – Covid-19 Response

The Coronavirus crisis presents unprecedented challenges to our Representatives and members as events unfold. We remain in dispute with the company but recognise that dealing with the Coronavirus crisis, protecting our members’ health and safety and addressing the sustainability of jobs and the business, must be the priority. High level discussions have been taking place at Group level and as reported by the General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary Postal, while discussions continue commitments have been received.

In respect of Parcelforce specifically these include:

• The company has confirmed their plan to TUPE Parcelforce members into a separate company has now been put on hold.
• The company has confirmed that they are willing to agree a process for talks to resolve all issues in dispute.

On the basis of the above commitments Branches and Representatives are advised that the department has been engaging with Parcelforce on a continuous basis to address the challenges created by the Coronavirus crisis and ensure that operational changes deliver the maximum protections for our members.

In all discussions the safety of our members in every function continues to be the number one priority for the CWU. Our Parcelforce members, like their colleagues across Royal Mail, have been designated as Key Workers during the crisis and continue to provide an essential service to the UK public. Of course in an environment where advice from Government varies from day to day we fully understand that our members have concerns over the evolving situation. The business are attempting to introduce guidance and procedures to amend operational practices to ensure employee safety to address employee concerns and the department continue to work with the business to that end.

However, as with Royal Mail the issue of availability of PPE, sanitizers etc. continues to be a major issue for PFW members and representatives. The business has informed the department that they

are anticipating delivery of gloves, anti-bac wipes and hand sanitizers next week. We understand that there are national shortages of some products but it is imperative that our members are provided with the necessary equipment to perform their duties. No CWU member should place themselves at risk due to a lack of equipment.

To enforce social distancing, the provision of a number of products and services have already been modified or suspended by the business to reduce potential risk to employees and recognise the impact that the pandemic is having on operational capability. The business has advised that this approach will remain under constant review.

Attached for your information are copies of documentation that has been created by the business to provide guidance in relation to social distancing and service changes/suspensions. For absolute clarity the attached documents have been produced by the business. That said where issues have been identified by the department they have been raised with the business in order to clarify, revise or improve the documentation where necessary:

• Annex A: Covid-19 Social Distancing Deliveries
• Annex B: Covid-19 Social Distancing Hub
• Annex C: Covid- 19 Social Distancing International Hub
• Annex D: Covid-19 Social Distancing CX
• Annex E: Interim Process for Deliveries & Collections
• Annex F: Covid-19 Optimised Manifest
• Annex G: PFW Web Page Content

Branches and representatives are advised that the department is aware that concern exists among some members and customers in relation to the continued use of Callers Offices and this issue has been raised with the business. The business have advised that the access has been maintained predominantly to assist key workers and those who have urgent medical supplies that need to be collected. They have assured the department that they are making attempts to discourage other members of the public from using the facility (as communicated in Annex G Web Page Content). They have also confirmed that strict social distancing procedures will remain in place for those visiting Callers Offices. The business will be continually monitoring the situation and sharing information with the department. The use of the facility will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

You are also asked to note that the REX optimised manifest approach was discussed with the department and we have supported the change in process as a contingency arrangement only. The temporary nature of this approach has been agreed by the business, without prejudice to ongoing discussions on the use of REX technology. The joint view is that the temporary move to the optimised manifest approach, during what are clearly exceptional circumstances, will support employee safety by reducing congregation points in the workplace and improve adherence to social distancing requirements. The department, fully understand that this change may be seen as significant, however in our view it supports the premise that during the crisis social distancing measures take precedence and remain the primary objective. We would however highlight that drivers should be reporting any route/delivery issues that are identified to the de-briefer at the end of the day, in order that any adjustments can be accommodated on the system to improve the use of the manifest.

Also in order to assist with adherence to social distancing a staggered start approach has been proposed at a number of depots to reduce the numbers of individuals attempting to gain access to and be in the workplace at the same time. While in principle the concept of this approach has been agreed with the business as appropriate for consideration as a temporary measure during this time of crisis, deployment would be subject to local agreement and discussions should determine where this is required.

For the avoidance of doubt however the department’s position is that where a temporary staggered start arrangement is agreed arrangements should fully take account of individual circumstances and not adversely affect individuals on a personal or earnings basis.

It has been agreed that an engagement structure will be introduced for CWU Regional Organisers and Regional Operations Manager to ensure that issues in the field can be monitored and addressed in the most effective manner or referred to National level where necessary.

We would like to place on record our thanks to our Parcelforce Representatives and members for their professionalism and dedication in delivering a service to the public during this most uncertain of times. The department will continue to engage with the business as the nature of the crisis evolves and further communications will be issued as required.

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

20LTB158

Annex A COVID 19 Social Distancing Delivery_PFW CX (1)

Annex B COVID 19 Social Distancing Hub PFW v2

Annex C IH Social Distancing SOP

Annex D COVID 19 Social Distancing Delivery_PFW CX

Annex E INTERIM PROCESS TO BE USED FOR ALL PARCELFORCE DELIVERIES AND COLLECTIONS 25.03.20 V6

Annex F Covid 19 Optimised Manifest v1.21

Annex G Coronavirus Landing Page Update_ 25 March 2020

POST OFFICE: HORIZON SCANDAL – CCRC REFERS 39 CASES FOR APPEAL

Further to LTB 145/20 dated 20th March 2020.

The CCRC met for two days, 24th & 25th March, (remotely) to make the decision on whether to refer the cases of 61 wrongfully convicted Postmasters for appeal. I wish to advise Branches that an announcement was made this morning that the CCRC has now referred for appeal 39 cases (35 to the Court of Appeal as convictions were obtained in Crown Court and 4 to the Crown Court as they had a magistrates’ court conviction) on the basis that each prosecution amounted to an abuse of process due to issues with the Post Office’s Horizon computer system which may have had an impact on the cases referred.

For the remaining 22 cases, we understand the majority of these are relatively new applicants to the CCRC and therefore the Commission needs more time to consider them.

Helen Pitcher, Chairman of the CCRC, stated:

“This is by some distance the largest number of cases we will ever have referred for appeal at one time. Our team has got through a huge amount of work, particularly since the judgment in December, in order to identify the grounds on which we are referring these cases… we will continue to do whatever we need to in order to make decisions in the remaining cases as quickly as we reasonably can.”

We believe the Court of Appeal is likely to consider the 35 cases “en masse”. However, this will depend upon the CCRC’s recommendation to the Judges.

The link to the statement from the CCRC is as follows:

https://ccrc.gov.uk/ccrc-to-refer-39-post-office-cases-on-abuse-of-process- argument/

Obviously, we welcome the decision of the CCRC. Some of the former Postmasters have been waiting for many years for justice and now they will most likely have their convictions quashed. Unfortunately, and very sadly, one of the 39 Postmasters, Julian Wilson passed away four years ago before receiving the justice he campaigned

for, for many years and so deserved. His widow was in court during the trials last year wherever possible to listen to the evidence and the final judgement. The Wilsons’ story was reported as part of the Daily Mail’s coverage of the trial:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6797193/More-500-village-postmasters- wrongly-hounded-stealing-millions-system.html

Nick Wallis, the independent journalist who has been following this matter closely, has published an update on his blog which can be accessed as follows:

https://www.postofficetrial.com/2020/03/ccrc-refer-39-post-office-cases-to.html

An article was also published today in Computer Weekly by Karl Flinders who has also been instrumental in publicising the plight of these wrongly convicted Postmasters for many years:

https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252480655/Subpostmaster-prosecutions- to-be-considered-by-Court-of-Appeal-for-miscarriages-of-justice

In conclusion, if it wasn’t for the desperate situation surrounding the coronavirus, this travesty of justice would be the biggest story across the UK; the scale of this injustice cannot be overestimated. I also wish to reiterate we are calling for a judge- led full public inquiry into this scandal and the decision from the CCRC reinforces this requirement. We are also calling for those responsible to be held to account as, to date, no Post Office Director has been dismissed for their part in this national scandal.

Finally, I wish to reiterate our call for the Post Office to recognise the CWU as an independent Trade Union for Postmasters, as a mechanism to ensure this appalling situation can never happen again. Nobody can ignore the part the NFSP has played in not supporting the Postmasters through this horrendous ordeal.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey 

Assistant Secretary

20LTB157

A podcast with GS Dave Ward. Covering coronavirus and how the union movement must build on a growing return of collectivism. Dave also covers our members, staff and the wider movement

Parcelforce Worldwide – Covid-19 Response

The Coronavirus crisis presents unprecedented challenges to our Representatives and members as events unfold. We remain in dispute with the company but recognise that dealing with the Coronavirus crisis, protecting our members’ health and safety and addressing the sustainability of jobs and the business, must be the priority. High level discussions have been taking place at Group level and as reported by the General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary Postal, while discussions continue commitments have been received.

In respect of Parcelforce specifically these include:

• The company has confirmed their plan to TUPE Parcelforce members into a separate company has now been put on hold.
• The company has confirmed that they are willing to agree a process for talks to resolve all issues in dispute.

On the basis of the above commitments Branches and Representatives are advised that the department has been engaging with Parcelforce on a continuous basis to address the challenges created by the Coronavirus crisis and ensure that operational changes deliver the maximum protections for our members.

In all discussions the safety of our members in every function continues to be the number one priority for the CWU. Our Parcelforce members, like their colleagues across Royal Mail, have been designated as Key Workers during the crisis and continue to provide an essential service to the UK public. Of course in an environment where advice from Government varies from day to day we fully understand that our members have concerns over the evolving situation. The business are attempting to introduce guidance and procedures to amend operational practices to ensure employee safety to address employee concerns and the department continue to work with the business to that end.

However, as with Royal Mail the issue of availability of PPE, sanitizers etc. continues to be a major issue for PFW members and representatives. The business has informed the department that they

are anticipating delivery of gloves, anti-bac wipes and hand sanitizers next week. We understand that there are national shortages of some products but it is imperative that our members are provided with the necessary equipment to perform their duties. No CWU member should place themselves at risk due to a lack of equipment.

To enforce social distancing, the provision of a number of products and services have already been modified or suspended by the business to reduce potential risk to employees and recognise the impact that the pandemic is having on operational capability. The business has advised that this approach will remain under constant review.

Attached for your information are copies of documentation that has been created by the business to provide guidance in relation to social distancing and service changes/suspensions. For absolute clarity the attached documents have been produced by the business. That said where issues have been identified by the department they have been raised with the business in order to clarify, revise or improve the documentation where necessary:

• Annex A: Covid-19 Social Distancing Deliveries
• Annex B: Covid-19 Social Distancing Hub
• Annex C: Covid- 19 Social Distancing International Hub
• Annex D: Covid-19 Social Distancing CX
• Annex E: Interim Process for Deliveries & Collections
• Annex F: Covid-19 Optimised Manifest
• Annex G: PFW Web Page Content

Branches and representatives are advised that the department is aware that concern exists among some members and customers in relation to the continued use of Callers Offices and this issue has been raised with the business. The business have advised that the access has been maintained predominantly to assist key workers and those who have urgent medical supplies that need to be collected. They have assured the department that they are making attempts to discourage other members of the public from using the facility (as communicated in Annex G Web Page Content). They have also confirmed that strict social distancing procedures will remain in place for those visiting Callers Offices. The business will be continually monitoring the situation and sharing information with the department. The use of the facility will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

You are also asked to note that the REX optimised manifest approach was discussed with the department and we have supported the change in process as a contingency arrangement only. The temporary nature of this approach has been agreed by the business, without prejudice to ongoing discussions on the use of REX technology. The joint view is that the temporary move to the optimised manifest approach, during what are clearly exceptional circumstances, will support employee safety by reducing congregation points in the workplace and improve adherence to social distancing requirements. The department, fully understand that this change may be seen as significant, however in our view it supports the premise that during the crisis social distancing measures take precedence and remain the primary objective. We would however highlight that drivers should be reporting any route/delivery issues that are identified to the de-briefer at the end of the day, in order that any adjustments can be accommodated on the system to improve the use of the manifest.

Also in order to assist with adherence to social distancing a staggered start approach has been proposed at a number of depots to reduce the numbers of individuals attempting to gain access to and be in the workplace at the same time. While in principle the concept of this approach has been agreed with the business as appropriate for consideration as a temporary measure during this time of crisis, deployment would be subject to local agreement and discussions should determine where this is required.

For the avoidance of doubt however the department’s position is that where a temporary staggered start arrangement is agreed arrangements should fully take account of individual circumstances and not adversely affect individuals on a personal or earnings basis.

It has been agreed that an engagement structure will be introduced for CWU Regional Organisers and Regional Operations Manager to ensure that issues in the field can be monitored and addressed in the most effective manner or referred to National level where necessary.

We would like to place on record our thanks to our Parcelforce Representatives and members for their professionalism and dedication in delivering a service to the public during this most uncertain of times. The department will continue to engage with the business as the nature of the crisis evolves and further communications will be issued as required.

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

20LTB158

Annex A COVID 19 Social Distancing Delivery_PFW CX (1)

Annex B COVID 19 Social Distancing Hub PFW v2

Annex C IH Social Distancing SOP

Annex D COVID 19 Social Distancing Delivery_PFW CX

Annex E INTERIM PROCESS TO BE USED FOR ALL PARCELFORCE DELIVERIES AND COLLECTIONS 25.03.20 V6

Annex F Covid 19 Optimised Manifest v1.21

Annex G Coronavirus Landing Page Update_ 25 March 2020

PRIVATE CARS ON DELIVERY DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Branches will be aware that once again, Royal Mail have taken the decision to publish Advice/Guidance to the field, on this occasion in relation to the use of Private Vehicles on Delivery by our members working in Delivery Offices.

We have been attempting to discuss the document with the company over the last couple of days, sharing our concerns, governing the use of the vehicle, insurance issues, out of pocket cost to our members, and a host of other items including ensuring that this would only be a temporary initiative for the duration of the current Coronavirus crisis and would end as soon as practically possible given the previous history of private car use and ceasing this practice with the introduction of delivery methods.

On Wednesday the 24th of March, we proposed a joint statement to the company that would put the matter on a sure footing with our members and representatives alike in terms of putting some sureties around both the intended use of the vehicle and what more importantly it could not be used for, together with a clear intention of both parties to cease the arrangement as soon as possible. There has been no formal response to this document, indicative once again of the kind of relationship that certain parties within the company want with this Trade Union going forward, sickeningly, even at a time of major crisis. The proposed Joint Statement is attached for your reference.

Following on from the above, and most disappointingly, the company, at a level above where we were having the discussion, decided to plough on ahead with the release of the document which resulted in an avalanche of enquiries into both the Outdoor and Health & Safety Departments. The department then decided to seek urgent legal advice on the content of the guidance pack and subsequently forwarded a number of questions to the employer late this afternoon, the answers to which are attached for your information.

Branches will therefore note, and should bring to the immediate attention of all our members working in Delivery Offices, that using their private vehicles without Business Use Insurance will mean that they are driving on Third Party Insurance Cover only but can of course cancel your agreement to use their vehicles at any time.

Any enquiries should be addressed to outdoorsecretary@cwu.org

Yours Sincerely,

Mark Baulch