UPDATE ON USO PILOTS

The purpose of this LTB is to provide branches, representatives and members with a comprehensive update on the USO pilots and our ongoing discussions with Royal Mail.  A further LTB focusing on the content of Ofcom’s consultation document and how the CWU will deal with this, will be issued shortly.

In this regard, when considering our approach to proposals for USO reform it is important that branches recognise we are dealing with this matter on a number of levels including Ofcom, Royal Mail and of course by utlilising the strong commitments secured in the agreement with EP Group.

All Branches will be aware that the decision to pilot 37 sites based on the Optimised Delivery Model comes against the background of CWU playing a strong part in moving Ofcom away from their earlier consultation on a 3 or 4 day USO.

The union also recognises that Royal Mail now operates in a permanently changed world of communications and the reality of the changing mix between declining letters and growing parcels means we will need to consider a different solution for the future.  In our view this is a key part of enabling the business to grow and prosper in the future and will be essential for the overall protection of our members jobs going forward.

There have been previous communications explaining our approach and the agreement reached on the pilot sites.  However, as the pilots are now commencing on a phased basis from the end of February, it is worth reiterating the key principles we are applying.

1. We have not and will not endorse any predetermined level of savings or job losses form this model. Ultimately, this is an issue that will be determined by workload and the absolute priority of achieving quality of service for customers, something which Royal Mail has an appalling record on in the last few years and currently, as a result of their own managerial failings.

2. We cannot face away from the reality of Ofcom’s consultation and the best way to engage on this is through the pilot sites, testing Royal Mail’s assumptions, listening to the views of our members and utilising the lessons we will learn in our ongoing discussions with the company and Ofcom.

3. We all know this will never work unless there is a complete reset of employee and industrial relations and we will hold Royal Mail to account on this, which will mean, as set out in the agreement with EP Group, the introduction of a new way of managing the business at all levels and in every office.

Notwithstanding the above principles and subject to the outcome of the pilots, we believe that taking everything into account, the Optimised Delivery Model potentially has several potential benefits as set out below:

• More Saturdays off and significantly better overall attendance patterns
• The model can enable part timers to move to full time
• The model can provide genuine options to reduce fatigue on delivery
• The model has no impact upstream in Mail Centres

All employees within a pilot unit will be able to select from a list of attendance patterns, including options for reduced Saturdays and we have agreed that no employees will be adversely affected by these trials, i.e. hours will not be cut.

Royal Mail and the CWU have agreed to the following criteria for evaluating the pilots and the viability of the ODM.

1. Does the ODM hit a minimum of 90% first class Ofcom targets alongside second class.  In addition, does it hit all commercial targets?
2. Is the workload fair, manageable and achievable? Does it also provide solutions for fatigue?
3. Does it provide options for improved attendance patterns and deliver more Saturdays off?
4. Does it provide a platform for sustainable growth?
5. Does it improve trust, morale and confidence in the workplace?

We recognise that change is often difficult, especially given what our members are experiencing currently in the workplace.  However, the current status quo is not working for our members, customers or the company.  Quality of service is broken in many units across the UK, impacting our members’ morale and confidence in the workplace.  In addition, far too many members have unachievable workloads and Royal Mail is experiencing a resourcing crisis – totally of their own making.  It is clear that unless Royal Mail is able to improve its quality of service, customers will lose trust in the business and choose to use other providers, which will ultimately lead to a serious downscaling of the service, unless something changes quickly.

That being said, the CWU will only agree to a permanent USO change which delivers a total reset of quality of service, alongside a fair and manageable workload with improved attendance patterns, more Saturdays off, no compulsory redundancies and tangible benefits for our members.

It is also important to note that in our agreement with EP Group, the prospective new owners of IDS and Royal Mail accept that CWU’s support for USO reform is strictly conditional on the progress and implementation of Section 5 within that agreement, which includes:

• Agreeing a pay rise. 
• Equalising new entrants’ pay, terms and conditions over an agreed period of time.
• Improved sick pay.
• Reduction in agency staff.
• Review of scheduled attendance and overtime rates.
• Reviewing voluntary redundancy terms.
• A new performance incentive scheme.
• New and improved ways of working.

The USO pilots will be phased in from the end of February, with Newton Mearns in Scotland being the first to be introduced.

We will provide regular updates on the pilot’s progress and next steps.  We will also be in liaison with Ofcom, Royal Mail and EP Group throughout this process and we will be incorporating evidence from the early stages of the trials in our response to Ofcom’s latest consultation.

Finally, we all know the union is dealing with major issues that will shape the future of the business and we are determined to ensure that through the approach we have set out this will not be purely about savings for Royal Mail.  Instead, this can be an important step in rebuilding UK postal services, restoring quality of service, enhancing our members’ terms and conditions and provide a platform for future growth, as set out in the agreement with EP Group.

Any enquiries to this LTB should be referred to the DGS(P) Department.

Yours Sincerely,

Martin Walsh

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary

Tony Bouch

Assistant Secretary

Bobby Weatherall

A/Assistant Secretary

LTB 041/25 – UPDATE ON USO PILOTS

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Applications Open – CWU Sexual Harassment Awareness Trainers 

The purpose of this LTB is to advise Branches we are now inviting applications for CWU Sexual Harassment Awareness Trainers.  

The Equality, Education and Development department are looking for CWU representatives to become Trainer’s to help deliver Sexual Harassment Awareness training across our union. The bespoke training workshop aims to equip CWU representatives with the tools they need to recognise, prevent and support members in reporting and dealing with incidences of sexual harassment in the workplace.   

Sexual Harassment Trainers will be expected to:   

• Attend and participate in development courses   
• Deliver Sexual Harassment Awareness training to the required specification and standards  
• Have a positive approach to learning  

• Have the ability to work independently and as part of a team  
• Able to commit specified time to the role  

How to apply   

If you are interested in becoming a CWU Sexual Harassment Awareness Trainer, please submit a completed application by 10^th March 2025.    

You can access the electronic application form by using the link below:  

Sexual harassment trainer application   

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

Yours sincerely, 

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 039/25 – Applications Open – CWU Sexual Harassment Awareness Trainers  

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International Women’s Day Networking Event – Registration Reminder

Further to LTB 023/25, which was issued on 3rd February we are writing to remind Branches to register participants for the International Women’s Day Event.

The event will be taking place on Tuesday 11th March 2025 from 10:30am – 3:30pm, at the Liverpool Quaker Meeting House, 22 School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BT.

The theme for International Women’s Day in 2025 is ‘Accelerate Progress’ which recognises the continuing barriers that women face in society and work but also represents a rallying call to action.

To register for the Networking Event please email equality&education@cwu.org

We look forward to seeing you in Liverpool!

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 038/25 – International Women’s Day Networking Event – Registration Reminder

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TRANSFER OF ROYAL MAIL ENGINGEERING/FLEET & RMPFS MEMBERS CURRENTLY IN T&FS BRANCHES TO POSTAL BRANCHES

Branches and Representatives will be aware that since the creation of the CWU in 1995 certain pockets of postal members have continued to sit in T&FS branches. These have predominantly been Postal Technical Services grades including 202 from RMPFS, coupled with some from Motor Transport (Fleet).

This has intermittently caused various organisational issues over the years and in particular most notably during the Royal Mail Group industrial action ballots in 2022. There have also been complications around access to workplaces for T&FS branch officials when dealing with those employed by Royal Mail Group.

As a consequence of the above, a Joint Working Group, with representations from both constituencies has been established to identify where best to place the PTS grades, in respect of transferring to postal branches.  This approach was agreed by both DGS’s (Postal and T&FS) and has subsequently been endorsed at the NEC meetings on 19^th December 2024 and 29^th/30^th January 2025.

The NEC, when considering this matter, decided it would be practical from an organising perspective to transfer those Royal Mail Group members currently sitting in T&FS branches into postal branches at the earliest opportunity, as this legacy issue needs to finally be resolved.  The NEC therefore endorsed the transfer of c.750 postal members currently sitting in T&FS branches into postal branches.

These members are listed in number by branch as follows:

Central Counties & Thames Valley Branch                     62

South-East Anglia Branch                                                 18

North Anglia Branch                                                            18

Midland No 1 Branch                                                          63

Midland Counties Branch                                                   92

South Yorkshire Branch                                                     59

North-East Branch                                                               33

West Yorkshire Branch                                                       118

Northern Ireland Telecoms Branch                                  10

Lancs & Cumbria Branch                                                   31

Glasgow & Motherwell Branch                                          27

Edinburgh, Dundee & Borders Branch                            27

Meridian Branch                                                                  55

Somerset Devon & Cornwall Branch                               20

Great Western Branch                                                        76

Mid Wales the Marches & North Staffs Branch              7

South Wales Branch                                                           27

Given the numbers and locations of these members, including itinerate workers, some of the transfers to postal branches are likely to be straight forward whilst others may be slightly more complex. In recognition of this fact, a working group led by Assistant Secretary Andy Furey, will oversee this activity and will act as a conduit between CWU HQ and the field officials for these grades. The other members of the working group are NEC members Alan Tate, Rob Wotherspoon and Andy Mercer.

To ensure this process takes account of the knowledge held by the IR Reps in the field, a briefing for Senior Field Officials has been arranged for Wednesday 26^th February.

The arrangements described above in no way detracts or impacts on the Industrial Relations Framework and the Representative interfaces, which will continue following the transfer of members into the postal branches.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh  

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                                                                                    

Karen Rose

Deputy General Secretary (T&FS)

LTB 037/25 – Transfer of RM Engineering Fleet and RMPFS Members currently in T&FS Branches to Postal Branches

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ROYAL MAIL: DRUGS & ALCOHOL – FOR-CAUSE TESTING PILOT EXTENSION

Further to LTB 001/25 dated 2^ndJanuary, we are pleased to report there have been no For-Cause tests in the first five weeks amongst the Pilot Group, which is limited to Drivers only in Wales.

As expected, due to the lack of data for analysis, Royal Mail proposed an extension to the geographical areas of the Pilot and the Postal Executive has consequently agreed that two new ROD areas will be included – Anglia & the South West, along with the English workplaces in the Wales ROD area (Chester, Shrewsbury & The Wirral).

In line with established Postal Executive policy, Royal Mail has agreed that the extension will apply to Drivers only.  We have also agreed the extended Pilot will run from Monday 11^th March until Friday 2^nd May (for Wales this will take the Pilot to 16 weeks in total).  It should be noted that the extended Pilot, in keeping with the Terms of Reference for Wales, does not include Drivers in Parcelforce.

The ToR previously agreed for Wales (attached) will be extended to include the Anglia and South West ROD areas.  In practice this means the full terms are applicable into the extended Pilot.  Crucially, there will be no discipline arising from positive tests during the Pilot, provided members in these circumstances agree to participate in the new Support and Rehabilitation programme.  In essence, this means that any member who fails a drugs or alcohol test during the Pilot and who takes up the offer of the Support and Rehabilitation service will not be taken down the Conduct route.  There are two caveats to this – a positive drug/alcohol test on the roadside following an accident/incident where the police are involved, or an individual being found in the possession of illegal drugs in the workplace.

Briefings for Anglia and South West Representatives

We will be holding two briefings for our Divisional Reps, Branch Secretaries, Area Reps and Area Safety Reps in Anglia and the South West ROD Areas as follows:

South West

Friday 28^th February – 11.30am – 2.30pm

Brunel’s Boardroom and Breakout Room

The Engine Shed, Station Approach, Temple Meads, Bristol, BS1 6QH

 Anglia

 Monday 3^rd March – 11.30am – 2.30pm

M.G Hall

Indian YMCA, 41 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6AQ

We will be running through the full details of the ToR for the extended Pilot and the protections and safeguards we have secured for our members in both the ToR and the Colleague Framework document.  Obviously, there will be an opportunity for a Q&A session at the Briefings.

Andy Furey, Assistant Secretary, continues to lead on this matter, supported by Rob Wotherspoon, Postal Executive member, Ralph Ferrett (South Wales) and Paul Dugdale (North Wales).  One of our Anglia Div Reps will also take on a similar supporting role.  We meet with Royal Mail management on a weekly basis and this activity will be ongoing.

The Postal Executive will also be closely monitoring the Pilot and all Branches will be kept informed of any key developments as the extended Pilot progresses.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey                         

Assistant Secretary                                                                               

Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary        

Tony Bouch

Assistant Secretary

LTB 035/25 – Royal Mail Drugs Alcohol Pilot – Extension

Attachment to LTB – Agreed Terms of Reference for the Drugs & Alcohol For-Cause Testing Pilot

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ROYAL MAIL LGV Apprentices 2025

We have been in discussions with Royal Mail regarding their decision to introduce 60 LGV Apprentices Nationwide. Colleagues will recall we had previously agreed and launched an LGV Driver Apprenticeship as part of the Driver Academy process in 2021. These roles are currently being advertised via Royal Mail Group Careers at https://jobs.royalmailgroup.com(keyword: Apprentice).

Through our discussions we have confirmed with the business they will follow the process covering the previously agreed LGV Recruitment defined in the Driver Academy activity in 2021, with the pay rates updated to the current levels, which are highlighted below:

Pay rates and grades below, Rates effective from 01^st April 2024National -LGA70  £22,455 (Basic £21,852 + meal relief £603)O/London – LGA72  £25,502 (Basic £24,818 + meal relief £684)I/London LGA73£26,590 (Basic £25,876 + meal relief £714)National -LGA70-A £28,333 (Basic £27,572 + meal relief £761)O/London – LGA72-A£32,178 (Basic £31,314 + meal relief £864)I/London LGA73-A£33,550 (Basic £32,649 + meal relief £901)

The LGV Apprenticeship Scheme will be open to external and internal candidates over 21 years of age and with 1 to 2 years driving experience and will offer the opportunity to join Royal Mail and attain the Apprentice qualification, a C&E Licence, DCPC and be ready to progress to a Professional Driver role within 13 months.

The apprenticeship will include modular learning, Driver training and on the job training over the 13-month period.  The attainment of the LGV C&E Licence will be scheduled in the early months of the course.

• All Apprentices will be recruited on a 36.25 hour net contract in line with the terms and conditions for the LGV Professional Driver Grade. To confirm the additional 1 hour paid relief is included in the annual pay amount.
• Apprentices will also qualify for Underpin payments as appropriate.
• Pay rates will increase in line with future pay agreements.
• On attainment of the LGV C&E Licence and sign off from a Royal Mail Advanced Driver Coach pay will be varied to 75% of the National LGV C&E Pay along with this the OT rate will be increased
• Where applicable, the appropriate LGV OT rate will be applied for any extra duty performed, in accordance with apprenticeship, driver’s hours and working time guidelines.
• Apprentices who successfully complete their Royal Mail LGV Apprentice Scheme training will be offered permanent Royal Mail employment contracts at LGV grade. If the offer of permanent employment is accepted, the previous 12 months’ employment will be treated as service and qualify these individuals for sick pay, pension membership and all other entitlements linked to completing 12 months’ service.
• All other LGV terms and conditions of employment, except where amended by this agreement will continue to apply to all LGV Apprentices.

The department have sought clarification from the business as to whether the apprenticeship opportunity is open to current internal employees. It has been confirmed there is no reason why internal colleagues cannot apply for one of the LGV Apprenticeship roles, however it must be noted, should they apply and be successful they would be accepting the Driver Apprenticeship Scheme Terms and Conditions including Pay Rates.  

The LGV Apprenticeship scheme will be managed and monitored by GTG. For clarification the business has confirmed they will not be running an internal Driver Academy Training process.

The locations and numbers per VOC for the apprenticeship programme are below:VOCNumberVOCNumberSDC8SEDC4MSH10Woking4NWH10Coventry Hub5YDC8Swindon6EMA5  

We do believe the apprenticeship opportunity will be welcomed by our members many of whom would like to take the opportunity to progress to Professional Driver roles. Branches are asked to ensure that the contents of this LTB are brought to the attention of our members across Royal Mail Group.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: jrodrigues@cwu.org quoting reference LTB 034/25. 

Yours sincerely, 

Davie Robertson 

Assistant Secretary

LTB 034/25 – Royal Mail LGV Apprenticeships 2025

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THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE 2025 NATIONAL NETWORK (LINEHAUL) REVISION AND NATIONAL PAD REVISIONS

Branches and Representatives are informed that discussions have been taking place with the business in relation to progressing arrangements for the 2025 National Network (Linehaul) Revision activity and the 2025 National PAD Revisions.

Branches and Representatives are informed that unfortunately due to the ongoing resistance of the business to agree to Joint Statements we have not been able to secure the normal signed Joint Statement covering this activity. However, in line with the approach we have taken on other issues affected by this policy, we do however, have a letter from the business confirming the dates and the commitments to follow the established Nationally Agreed processes for this activity.    

This approach has today been endorsed by the Postal Executive and attached for the information of Branches and Representatives is the correspondence from Nick Dunn, National Distribution Director confirming the Royal Mail’s commitment to the established, agreed revision processes along with the detailed processes at Annexes A & B.

Additionally, the business has indicated the following will also be included or may influence the revision activity:

• The inclusion of container tracking data, which will be reviewed as part of the working group activity prior to data being shared with the sites.
• The current ongoing MPU programme may have an impact on Distribution duties. It is understood the timings of the two pieces of work may not align and it is understood the implementation of overlays/underlays prior to a PAD revision being implemented will take into account the impact of any CSS moves.
• Transfer in financial year 25/26 of up to 14m large parcels (F4 and above) from the RM network to PFWW, this may be via direct from customer or MC/HUB in line with the BRT&G commitment to the development of a single large Parcel Network

The business has also indicated they are reviewing agency use within the functions and they are looking to reduce this over the next few months, this activity is outside of the Revision process and is normal BAU activity.

As with the previous Network Review/PAD Joint Statements, the process fully recognises the role of the CWU at all levels and all activity will be overseen by the Network Working Group/Area Distribution Working Group.

Colleagues will note that the Stage 1 Data Gathering will commence on Monday 24^th February 2025 across both functions and representatives are therefore requested to engage with management accordingly in relation to the activity and release arrangements.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: jrodrigues@cwu.org quoting reference LTB 033/25. 

Yours sincerely, 

Davie Robertson 

Assistant Secretary 

LTB 033/25 – Network and PAD Revisions 2025

Attachment: NDunn Letter Network and PAD Revisions_

Attachment: Annex A Network Review Process 2025

Attachment: Annex B PAD Revisions 2025

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PFSL & CWU Joint Update – Vehicle Telematics (Trimble) 2024 

Branches will wish to know the introduction and roll out of the Masternaut Agreement with PFSL was endorsed in 2010 that only monitored vehicle speeding as opposed to the four principles of Acceleration, Braking, Cornering and Idling as found under the Trimble Technology in RMG.

The PTCS Department has recently concluded a refresh of the Masternaut Agreement with the introduction of Trimble Telematics.  The purpose of the technology remains purely to measure the principle of speeding and how this process is managed at local level.  The calculation of a vehicle speed is not clear to many, in how it is measured, other than the immediate data captured from the vehicle speedometer but should form part of a discussion between the manager and driver if this principle is breached on a regular basis.

The Vehicle Telematics or Trimble Agreement in PFSL, which governs the use and deployment of this technology, has been reviewed and therefore updated from the 2010 agreement which is in line with the company’s Data Protection and Privacy Policy. The draft document originally submitted by PFSL was heavily focused on performance and conduct, which the Department objected to on the grounds that Telemetry is primarily deployed as a means to improve fuel consumption as well as offering driver behaviour and training in real time.  The technology also improved the life of vehicle parts as a result of component parts such as steering, brakes and suspension application being applied less harshly and thereby saving on maintenance costs.

Branches will welcome the efforts made to remove the desire for performance measurement and conduct as the system is not designed or intended for use as a staff surveillance system.  If, however, there is a need to access or use additional vehicle telematics data to that contained in the weekly timesheet report i.e. Trip Detail Report, this will be done in line with the formal process and controls set out in the agreement.  If it is appropriate to access this additional data (i.e. an informal / formal conduct case) the relevant manager should firstly go through a formal review process to determine whether this is appropriate.

The agreement also references any attempts to gain unauthorised access to the system or the information derived from it being regarded as a disciplinary offence, thereby preventing any cause for ‘phishing’.  If a manager decides on the need to use any of the data provided in the Trip Detail Report as part of conduct investigations, this will be shared with the member concerned and a copy will be included as part of the case file on People Case Manager (PCM).

We believe this is a massive improvement on the Masternaut Agreement as previously there was greater emphasis on conduct and performance which has now been removed and completely watered down in the updated approach.

Please bring this LTB to the attention of our representatives and members, and any queries relating to this agreement should be forwarded to the PTCS Department , email address khay@cwu.org or hmaughan@cwu.org

Bobby Weatherall

Acting Assistant Secretary

LTB 032/25

PFSL & CWU Trimble Update 2025 final

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Health & Safety Contact Details (Postal)

Branches and Representatives will recall that LTB 270/24 advised of the ongoing work at CWU HQ regarding the future structural changes required following the decisions at last year’s Annual Conference concerning the former Health, Safety and Environment Department.

Similarly, colleagues will be aware that LTB 27/25 issued on 10^th February confirmed that the CWU central services Health and Safety role has now been filled.

Following the integration of Health and Safety into the postal department, the purpose of this LTB is to confirm with Branches, and in particular our Safety Reps and Regional/Divisional structures, which departments will cover each core area of responsibility. Also listed are the initial points of contact.

Accordingly, enquiries concerning Health and Safety matters should be addressed as follows:Areas of ResponsibilityRelevant Officer/Department at CWU HQDelivery 

CollectionsTony Bouch 

Assistant Secretary

Email: tbouch@cwu.orgParcelforce (including Hub Engineers) 

Logistics

Distribution

Processing (including Mail Centre engineers)

International

EurestDavie Robertson 

Assistant Secretary

Email: drobertson@cwu.orgPost Office (Crowns, CViT and Admin) 

Capita

Admin

MDEC & Customer Experience

HR

Finance, Stamps & CollectablesAndy Furey 

Assistant Secretary

Email: afurey@cwu.orgFleet 

Engineering

RMPFSL – Cleaners and EngineersBobby Weatherall 

Assistant Secretary (Act)

Email: bweatherall@cwu.orgAny H&S workplace matters which are cross-functional or across the outlined areas of responsibility should in the first instance be directed to the DGS(P) Department.Martin Walsh 

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

Email: mwalsh@cwu.org

Any general items or enquiries concerning Health and Safety, including legislative regulations and external relevant bodies and organisations, should in the first instance be directed to Jamie McGovern (contact details will be provided by the General Secretary’s Department in due course).

In setting out the above, it should be noted that we have now completed all arrangements in terms of aligning the nominated Area Safety Reps to act as support for the various postal departments. This is alongside the full integration of Health and Safety into our mainstream IR field structures covering Divisions, Parcel Regions and Engineering and Fleet Territorial Committees. These are all further measures in addition to the current Health and Safety Regional Forums which are cross-functional and include Safety Reps from the Postal and Telecoms & Financial Services Constituencies of the CWU.

Whilst all the necessary and important steps needed to integrate Health and Safety into our postal departments and mainstream IR field structures have been undertaken, it is equally understood that this is still a new way of working for the union and therefore remains subject to ongoing review as necessary.

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

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 31.25 -Health & Safety Contact Details (Postal)

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Dog Customer Postcards – RM/CWU National Joint Dog Awareness Working Group

Branches and members will be aware of several current initiatives reported in previous LTBs around seeking to reduce dog attacks and incidents, including those developed by the RM/CWU National Joint Dog Awareness Working Group.

Another area that the Joint Working Group have been working on has been the development of a Dog Customer Postcard which can be delivered alongside the normal mail and is designed to help dog owners identify steps they can take to provide a safer delivery point. On one side of the postcard, the customer is asked to support some simple steps to provide a safe delivery point, and the reverse side can be used to notify anyone delivering to their address that they have a dog.

These postcards have been in use within Royal Mail for some time now and have been communicated by various channels within the workplace, but the purpose of this LTB is to now seek to promote the wider use of the Dog Customer Postcard across all delivery units.

A copy of the Dog Customer Postcard is attached, and the simple steps to provide a safe delivery point are set out here:

By following the advice below, then together we can make sure that your dog is kept safe, and I am too….

• Please don’t open the door until your dog is safely secured. Please put them in another room or behind a gate first and don’t worry, I will wait! You can stick the other side of this postcard to your door to remind others to wait too.
• PS did you know you can now buy gates that open with your front door?
• Close gates and doors to stop your dog getting loose. If you have a back or side garden, please make sure your dog can’t get out and gates and doors are closed.
• Install a letter box cage. Sometimes dogs attack or snatch mail from the letterbox and this can cause serious injuries to a postie’s hands, including amputation of fingers, as well as causing injuries to the dog. If you can install a letter box cage at the back of your door it will protect your post, your dog, and the postie’s fingers.
• Provide an alternative delivery point. If you are struggling to do any of the above, then please consider fitting a secure mailbox on the edge of your property that I can deliver safely to.

The Dog Customer Postcard has received positive feedback from both OPGs and indeed customers with Royal Mail now confirming that there are some cases of customers displaying the postcard at their property and near to the front door to advise: Please wait whilst I secure my dog before opening the door.

This is another initiative that I have no hesitation in supporting and would encourage all of our representatives, in particular, our Workplace Safety and Area Safety Reps to make contact with their relevant managers to ensure these postcards are readily available in delivery units. Royal Mail has advised that the postcards can be secured through OPL supports, who should maintain an adequate supply.

Royal Mail has also confirmed that the postcard will shortly be translated into the Welsh language and made available within the next couple of weeks. This is to further build on particular activity within Wales which recently culminated in the Wales Dog Safety Partnership Event held in January and which was reported to branches in ODM 006/24, issued on 16^th January.

The postcard is designed to help dog owners identify steps they can take to provide a safer delivery point, and if displayed by customers should also offer OPGs a useful visual prompt that there is a dog on the premises. Where a situation arises where the deliveries may need to be halted for safety reasons, the P6705 stickers (a copy also attached) should be used on all returned mail items to identify the unsafe reason(s) that prevented any delivery attempt.

Any enquiries to the content of this LTB should be directed to the Outdoor Department, email address: Pharacz@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Bouch
Assistant Secretary

LTB 030/25 – Dog Customer Postcards

Att: LGH_Dog-Postcard-English (Door Drop) 16.07.24 v1.p1

Att: LGH_Dog-Postcard-English (Door Drop) 16.07.24 v1.p2

Att: Royal Mail P6705 Sticker

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