BUSINESS & TRADE SELECT COMMITTEE – RECOMMENDATIONS TO GOVERNMENT REGARDING OFCOM

As you will be aware, the CWU recently gave evidence to the Business and Trade Select Committee regarding the service quality crisis at Royal Mail and Ofcom’s failure to properly regulate the wider sector.

The CWU particularly emphasised the lack of regulation for parcel courier companies like Amazon and Evri, who use bogus self-employment models to undercut Royal Mail and hive off profits from our network, inhibiting the growth of the company.

The Committee was not satisfied by either Royal Mail or Ofcom’s responses to their investigation into service quality issues and had committed to ongoing scrutiny.

We are therefore pleased to receive the Committee’s recommendations on the regulation of postal services as a result of their investigation. Please see the attached document.

The report starkly acknowledges Ofcom’s failure to regulate the sector, stating “we conclude Ofcom is failing as the statutory regulator of the postal service to deliver on the task it has been set by Parliament”.

The Committee has therefore recommended a reset and an improvement plan for Ofcom to ensure they have a regulatory regime fit for the 21st century postal service. This involves Ofcom setting out a concrete plan for how they will improve their regulatory regime in a timely manner.

The Committee have also stated that if the improvement plan fails to deliver meaningful change from Ofcom within six months, they recommend that the Secretary of State takes steps towards changes on Ofcom’s duties and powers. They have also specifically recommended that the government take measures to ensure that “competitors are not able to free-ride on Royal Mail’s infrastructure, nor undercut employment conditions through gig economy models.”

In addition, the Committee has recommended that the government also consider a network levy on competitors – this is a key demand from the CWU that we have pushed for several years. 

The Committee has also stated that they “have not heard persuasive evidence to refute the previous Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee’s finding that Royal Mail has deprioritised delivery of letters” and have recommended that Ofcom undertake an enhanced investigation to identify and root out this practice.

This is a significant step in the right direction towards levelling the playing field for Royal Mail, among a market full of gig-economy competitors with poor pay and conditions. Our members’ evidence has helped secure this set of far-reaching recommendations and forces Ofcom to properly regulate the sector. Royal Mail must now also ensure that they resolve the chaos in workplaces and stamp out the practice of prioritising parcels over letters, lest they face harsher sanctions.

We will now continue campaigning for the government to accept these recommendations and go further to secure the future of our postal service. Our postal service and our members’ jobs will not survive unless the sector is properly regulated and parcel giants like Amazon are made to pay their fair share.

Please ensure branches and members have access to this report. We will keep you updated as to any further developments.

Any enquiries relating to the content of this LTB should be referred to the General Secretary’s department dlynch@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward

General Secretary                                                  

Martin Walsh                                        

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

Reissue – LTB 158/26 – BUSINESS AND TRADE SELECT COMMITTEE – RECOMMENDATIONS TO GOVERNMENT REGARDING OFCOM

LTB 158/26 – Att 1

View Online

CWU NATIONAL DELEGATIONS – 2026

• TUC CONGRESS 13^th -16^th September 2026, Brighton
• LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE 27^th – 30^th September 2026, Liverpool
• LABOUR PARTY WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 26^thSeptember 2026, Liverpool

Further to LTB 127/26 dated 29^th April 2026 at the close of nominations the following have been received:

TUC 

Postal Constituency

NEC (1 Member)Rob WotherspoonBristol & District Amal*Elected

Lay Members (7 Members at least 2 delegates must be women & at least 1 delegate must be BAME)Tina HolmesLeicestershire*Elected (Woman)Adam AlarakhiaLeicestershireBALLOT REQUIREDMark BrownColchester & DistrictJohn CarsonGlasgow & District Amal Steve CrokeSouth Midlands Postal Keith HamiltonSouth Central Postal Darren JonesLeicestershire Sajid ShaikhBirmingham District Amal Tony SneddonScotland No 5 Lee Starr-ElliottBristol & District Amal Usman VarudiLeicestershire Tom WalkerNorthern Home Counties Postal 

Telecoms & Financial Services Constituency   

NEC (1 Member)Graham ColkSouth Wales, Capital, Edinburgh Dundee & Borders, Lincolnshire & South Yorks, North East,  Scotland No 1, Tyne & Wear Clerical, *Elected

Lay Members (5 Members at least 1 delegate must be a woman & least 1 delegate must be BAME)Stephen PhillipsEssex & Central Counties *ElectedJean SharrocksNorth East, Capital, Edinburgh Dundee & Borders, Lincolnshire & South Yorks, Scotland No 1, South Wales, Tyne & Wear Clerical, West Yorkshire *ElectedLouise ShortTyne & Wear Clerical, Capital, Edinburgh Dundee & Borders, Lincolnshire & South Yorks, North East,  Scotland No 1, South Wales, Tyne & Wear Clerical, West Yorkshire, *ElectedTrish VollansWest Yorkshire, Capital, Edinburgh Dundee & Borders,      Lincolnshire & South Yorks, North East, Scotland No 1, South Wales, Tyne & Wear Clerical, *Elected

LABOUR PARTY

Postal Constituency

NEC (1 Member)No Nominations Received

Lay Members (7 Members at least 2 delegates must be women & at least 1 delegate must be BAME)Adam AlarakhiaLeicestershire*Elected (BAME)Paul BraithwaiteNorth Lancs & CumbriaBALLOT REQUIREDHuw DaviesLondon Phoenix Hugh GaffneyGlasgow & District Amal Darren JonesLeicestershire David MullaneyBristol & District Amal Tom WalkerNorthern Home Counties Postal 

Telecoms & Financial Services Constituency   

NEC (1 Member)Sara MiahNorth Anglia, Capital, Edinburgh, Dundee & Borders, Lincolnshire & South Yorks, Mersey, North East, Scotland No 1 

South Wales, Tyne & Wear Clerical*Elected

Lay Members (5 Members at least 1 delegate must be a woman & at least 1 delegate must be BAME)Joyce StevensonScotland No 1, Capital, Edinburgh, Dundee & Borders, Lincolnshire & South Yorks, Mersey, North Anglia, North East, South Wales, Tyne & Wear Clerical, West Yorkshire*Elected

 (Woman)Craig AndersonScotland No 1, Capital, Edinburgh, Dundee & Borders,  Lincolnshire & South Yorks, Mersey, North Anglia, North East, South Wales, Tyne & Wear Clerical, West Yorkshire BALLOT

REQUIREDPeter FrancisCapital, Edinburgh, Dundee & Borders, Lincolnshire & South Yorks, North Anglia, North East, Mersey, Scotland No 1, South Wales, Tyne & Wear Clerical, West Yorkshire  Brian KennyMersey, Capital, Edinburgh, Dundee & Borders, Lincolnshire & South Yorks, North Anglia, North East, Scotland No 1, South Wales, Tyne & Wear Clerical, West Yorkshire  Stephen PhillipsEssex & Central Counties  

The ballot timetable is as follows:

Despatch ballot papers:             29^th May 2026

Ballot closes:                             12^th June 2026 (14:00)

Branches will see the dispatch of ballot papers will now take place a week later than originally notified, this is due to workload issues and has been agreed by the Emergency Committee.

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed by email to lparrett@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward

General Secretary

LTB 155/26 – CWU NATIONAL DELEGATIONS – 2026

View Online

ROYAL MAIL: BONUS PAYMENTS 2025/26 FOR CUSTOMER SERVICES, FINANCE, HR & LEGAL SERVICES AND LA1s IN LOGISTICS

Branches are reminded that the arrangements for the bonus schemes for our members working in Customer Services, Finance, HR/Legal Services and LA1s Logistics are based on Royal Mail’s overall business performance.

I am pleased to report the bonus for 2025/26 will be paid at the maximum for the respective Business Units.  The total amounts payable are as follows:Business UnitBonus Payment 2025/26HR/Legal Services£1,500Customer Services£2,000Finance£2,000LA1s Logistics£650

All of these payments (pro-rata for part-timers) will be made with May salaries to those who have been in post since 1^st January 2026 and who are still employed at the payment date. 

These bonus payments have arisen from agreements the union has reached on behalf of the members concerned.  Therefore, Branches and Representatives with members in these Business Units are encouraged to reinvigorate recruitment activities by focusing on this positive news which should aid recruitment amongst Admin grades.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

LTB154/26 – Royal Mail – Bonus Payments 2025-26

View Online

Dementia Action Week 18^th – 24^thMay

Dementia Action Week 2026 will take place from Monday 18th May to Sunday 24th May, focusing on raising awareness, supporting those affected, and promoting a dementia-friendly society.

Overview

Dementia Action Week is an annual campaign led by the Alzheimer’s Society to encourage individuals, communities, and organisations across the UK to take action in support of people living with dementia. The week aims to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and foster understanding, helping those affected to live well and feel supported. Each year, a theme highlights key issues such as diagnosis, care, and support services.

Key Campaigns and Themes

In 2026, Dementia Action Week is closely linked with the Forget Me Not Appeal, which encourages people to wear a Forget Me Not badge as a symbol of hope, unity, and action against dementia. The campaign emphasises the importance of early diagnosis, access to support, and community involvement. Participants are encouraged to share personal stories behind their badges to raise awareness and inspire collective action.

How to Get Involved

There are several ways to participate in Dementia Action Week:

Host an event: Organise coffee mornings, information sessions, or fundraisers in your local area.

Become a Dementia Friend: Join the Alzheimer’s Society program to learn how to support people living with dementia.

Share information: Use social media to spread awareness and encourage others to take part.

Advocate for change: Support campaigns for better diagnosis, care services, and dementia research funding.

For more information, support and ways to get involved, visit the Alzheimer’s Society website at: Dementia Action Week | Alzheimer’s Society

Importance

With nearly 1 million people living with dementia in the UK, and many more affected through family and friends, raising awareness and taking action is critical. Early diagnosis and support can significantly improve quality of life, while community understanding reduces isolation and stigma. By participating, individuals and communities contribute to building a dementia-friendly society where everyone affected is recognised and supported.

This LTB is shared on behalf of CWU Central Services.

If you have any questions or need any further information, please contact:

Jamie McGovern FRSPH MIIAI 

CWU Health & Safety Policy Assistant at jmcgovern@cwu.org

LTB 153/26 – Dementia Action Week 18-24 May

View Online

NATIONAL YOUNG WORKERS EDUCATION EVENT, 19th – 21st JUNEQUORN GRANGE HOTEL 

No: 151/26

18^th May 2026

TO: ALL BRANCHES

Dear Colleague,

NATIONAL YOUNG WORKERS EDUCATION EVENT, 19^th – 21^stJUNE QUORN GRANGE HOTEL 

The purpose of this LTB is to invite and encourage Branches to send delegates to this year’s National Young Workers Education Event which will take place over the weekend of Friday, 19^th June through to Sunday, 21^st June in Quorn.

The venue for the event during the day will be held at GFTU Quorn Grange Hotel, Quorn. Hotel accommodation has been arranged at the same venue and in nearby hotels.

Event Format 

As with the approach taken over the past couple of years, this event now combines our Branch Young Worker Officer Forum alongside our National Education Event into a Young Workers Education weekend. An outline agenda is attached and a full agenda will be issued nearer the date.

Arrival & Registration 

We are asking participants to arrive in Quorn on Friday, 19^th June in time for their appropriate panel, see outline agenda, however they are welcome to attend all panels if they wish to hear what is going on in other parts of the Union.  Registration for the main event will take place on Saturday morning and the event will conclude at 1.30pm on Sunday, 21^st June.

The arrangements for the cost of delegates will be in line with the process that has been used for many years and is reflective of current pricing. The cost for Branches to send a delegate will be £320 and will include two nights’ accommodation and all meals.

For more information and to secure a place for the weekend Branches should complete this form: CWU YOUNG WORKERS EDUCATION EVENT FORM 19th – 21st JUNE 2026: APPLICATION TO ATTEND – Fill in form as soon as possible so that we can assess the numbers of those attending for meals, etc.

Branches must make payment for their delegate(s) attendance by bank transfer to the General Fund Account No: 33019822 Sort Code 60-83-01 with ref “YWNEE”. 

Any queries regarding this event should be addressed to the Young Workers Coordinator, Kerry Fleck, kfleck@cwu.org or 07704 306418.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward                                                               

General Secretary                                                  

LTB 151/26 – NATIONAL YOUNG WORKERS EVENT 19TH – 21ST JUNE QUORN GRANGE HOTEL

View Online

CWU CONFERENCE 2026 – DECISIONS AND CARD VOTES 

Please find attached copies of the decisions taken during CWU Conference 2026 and the results of the Card Votes that were taken.

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Jo Thair, Central Services Department on telephone number 020 8971 7487, or email address conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward

General Secretary

LTB 150/26

01. General Conference – Sunday 10.05.26

02. General Conference – Monday 11.05.26

03. TFS Conference – Tuesday 12.05.26

04. Postal Conference – Tuesday 12.05.26

05. TFS Conference – Wednesday 13.05.26

06. Postal Conference – Wednesday 13.05.26

07. TFS Conference – Thursday 14.05.26

08. Postal Conference – Thursday 14.05.26

01a. General Conference 2026 – Card Vote 1 – Motion 16 Version 2

01. Postal – Card Vote 1 – Motion 25

View Online

Royal Mail: Pensions – Guide for CWU Reps and Collective Plan Presentation at Postal Conference

At our Postal Conference, senior members of the Collective Plan Executive Team presented on the Collective Plan, including the importance of signing up to the Member Self Service Portal which enables members to:

• Check their personal details and contact information are correct
• Tell the Executive Team who they’d like their money to go to in the event of death
• Choose how they would like the Executive Team to keep in touch with them
• View what they’ve got in the Collective Plan so far and what they might get at age 67.

An explanation was also given on the first annual valuation and the headline results, and how the adjustments work to both the Income for Life and the Lump Sum.  The slide presentation is attached to this LTB for ease of reference.

A good and extensive Q&A session took place following the presentation, and on behalf of our delegates, we would like to pass our thanks on to the Collective Plan Executive Team for their time and the important update.

Launch of the CWU Pensions Guide

Delegates at conference were provided with a printed copy of the new Pensions Guide for CWU Reps.  This guide covers all of the various Royal Mail pension schemes, including the Collective Plan, and is intended to be used as a reference document for Branches and Reps to refer to when members come to them with questions on their pensions.  The guide is also available electronically, by scanning the QR code below:

If you have any queries in relation to this LTB, please contact Samantha Nicholas – snicholas@cwu.org or Heidi Maughan – hmaughan@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Martin Walsh    

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                                                            

Andy Furey 

Assistant Secretary

LTB 148/26 – Royal Mail Pensions Guide for CWU Reps and Collective Plan Presentation at Postal Conference0

Attachment: CWU SLIDES MAY 2026 FINAL (Powerpoint download)

View Online

Hi all you should of received your ballot papers by now here is a short video on how to cast your vote

USO DEPLOYMENT AGREEMENT – PART TIME EMPLOYEE SCOPING EXERCISE

The purpose of this LTB is to advise Branches, Representatives and members that as agreed within the USO deployment agreement there is the opportunity for c.6,000 part time employees to increase their contracted hours up to full time. This will mean that it provides an ongoing opportunity for part time employees to increase their contracted hours going forwards.

A USO Delivery Scoping Exercise will open today and the attached joint communication has been issued to confirm that the process has been launched on the People App via Robin for delivery employees to express their interest in the following options:

1. Increasing part-time (PT) contracted hours where available at your current office.
2. Increasing part-time (PT) contracted hours and voluntarily moving to another office where there is a vacancy.
3. Moving to another office on a voluntary basis where there is a vacancy.

The USO Delivery Scoping Exercise will be open until Friday 29^th May. Taking part simply means expressing an interest in one or more options to support the wider planning for USO deployment. Likewise, it is not a binding commitment for colleagues or Royal Mail, it is to understand employees’ preferences.

In addition, the business have confirmed that additional information will be shared on PDA messages, TV screens and via Work Time Listening Learning (WTLL) brief.

As such the above communications will ensure all PT employees have the ability to participate in the scoping exercise and we would ask that all Postal Branches ensure the USO Delivery Scoping Exercise is brought to the attention of all members in Delivery Offices.

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

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh                                                                                      Tony Bouch
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                                             Assistant Secretary

LTB 147.26 USO Delivery Scoping Exercise

LTB 147.26 Att 1 Joint Communication – National Scoping Exercise in Delivery

View Online