Mobile Phone Law Change on 25 March – Drivers Can Face Six Penalty Points and a £200 Fixed Penalty Fine:

In a move to improve road safety, drivers are being warned that from 25 March 2022, new tougher mobile phone use rules come into force when it comes to using mobile phones and other devices when driving.

In 2020, the Department for Transport reported that 17 people were killed on British roads in crashes involving drivers distracted by mobile phones. A further 114 people were seriously injured and 385 were slightly injured in such collisions.

As a result, the Government is making rules on mobile phones in vehicles clearer, so you can more easily be prosecuted, fined and given penalty points if you break the law. To warn drivers of the new rules, a guide on what drivers need to know to avoid fines and points is set out below.

What is the new law coming into effect on 25 March? 

From 25 March it will be clarified that drivers in the UK will NOT be allowed to handle any mobile device when driving. This also includes being stationary in traffic, such as at traffic lights or motorway queues.

This means you cannot touch the device to check the time or notifications, take photos or videos, scroll through playlists, or access any apps or the internet.

Prior to this law, motorists could be penalised for ‘interactive communication’ using a hand-held device while driving, such as texting or phone calls (other than in an emergency). The law did not specifically cover other usages, although police could still prosecute drivers for dangerous or careless driving.

The new rules make it much easier for police to hand out fixed penalties or to send drivers to court.

What is the penalty?

Unless it is to make an emergency call, anyone caught using their hand-held device while driving will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their drivers’ licence.

Can I be fined for using my phone to pay at a drive-thru or toll road? 

No. Many have mistakenly believed they can be fined when using their phones to pay when at a drive-through restaurant or toll road. However, The Department for Transport has confirmed drivers are exempt from fines in these areas as long as their vehicle is stable.

The Department for Transport confirmed this loophole last year, in their statement: “There will be an exemption to the new law for drivers making a contactless payment using their mobile phone while stationary to ensure the law keeps pace with technology. This exemption will cover, for example, places like a drive-through restaurant or a road toll, and will only apply when payment is being made with a card reader. It will not allow motorists to make general online payments while driving.”

Can I still use a hands-free device or a Sat-Nav?

Drivers are still allowed to use a device if it is ‘hands-free’ when driving. This includes ‘hands-free’ calls and the use of your phone as a sat-nav, as long as it is secured in a holder.

Safe Driving Advice 

The changes to mobile phone driving laws are being introduced to improve safety on UK roads. Drivers must take these rules seriously to help reduce the number of tragic deaths caused by violations.

These adaptations to driving laws are being made in order to keep up-to-date with how technology is used by drivers. The tough penalties are designed to be a strong deterrent to drivers who use their mobile phones behind the wheel.

It is not just mobile devices that drivers should be cautious of. Despite no new rules being enforced on the use of internal infotainment systems, they can be a potential distraction for drivers. Touchscreens have become a common addition to modern vehicles, and the more complex they become, the more distracting they can be. If a driver is found to be not properly in control of their vehicle as a result of using dashboard gadgets or hands-free devices, they can still be prosecuted for careless or dangerous driving.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB124 Mobile Phone Law Change on 25 March – Drivers Can Face Six Penalty Points and a £200 Fixed Penalty Fine

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UK COST OF LIVING CRISIS

The purpose of this LTB is to provide Branches, Reps and members with a detailed analysis of the current cost of living crisis.

The attached document, prepared by our Research Department, is an excellent and comprehensive breakdown on the reality of the situation now facing CWU members and UK society.

It is also important to recognise that whereas some analysts were originally claiming this would have a short term impact, there is now growing evidence, including the additional impact of the war in Ukraine, that this will be a sustained and very damaging crisis.

As the CWU gears up for crucial pay negotiations across the Union, the document will assist our Representatives in putting across factual information to our members.  Given the seriousness of the situation, the union is clear that there can be no excuses from any employer for not giving our members a very significant and well deserved pay rise.

Furthermore, the document also sets the context for the whole of the trade union movement to build support for the New Deal for Workers campaign.  In this regard we can now confirm that there will be a National Rally in June and all unions will be undertaking work to mobilise our members and our communities in support of this campaign.  Further information on this will be issued in due course.

Any enquiries on the above should be addressed to the General Secretary at jdunn@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary 

22LTB123 UK COST OF LIVING CRISIS

Cost of living crisis update 15th March 2022

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UN ANTI-RACISM DAY – SATURDAY, 19^TH MARCH

Further to previous LTBs, Branches will be aware that UN Anti-Racism rallies, supported by the TUC, will be taking place across the UK on the weekend of the 19^th March in London, Glasgow and Cardiff.

Furthermore, in keeping with previous years this will be part of a global show of solidarity with similar rallies planned across the world.

We strongly encourage branches to attend one of the UK planned rallies and to ensure CWU banners are on show. We also want to see a strong CWU presence on social media with lots of photos using #MarchAgainstRacism.

Full details of the UK rallies can be found: here

Any enquiries on the content of this LTB please contact Kate Hudson on equalityand education@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward
General Secretary       

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

22LTB 122 – UN ANTI-RACISM DAY SATURDAY 19TH MARCH

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Specsavers’ Radio Advert – Portraying a Dog Attack on a Postal Worker:

The Health, Safety and Environment Department has received a number of enquiries and complaints from CWU Reps and members regarding a ‘Specsavers’ radio advert portraying a dog attack on a postal worker.

Representations were made to the Joint CEOs of Specsavers about the advert in which we also requested that the advert be withdrawn and taken off the air.

I’m pleased to report that a very prompt reply was received from Specsavers’ Director of Public Relations in which the company agreed to withdraw the offending advert from Monday.

See attached exchange of correspondence with Specsavers for your information.

Specsavers tried to play it down somewhat, as have other companies in the past that have sadly produced adverts with dog attacks on postmen featured such as ‘Plusnet’ and ‘Southern Trains’.

However, the main thing is that Specsavers are stopping the advert and withdrawing it.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB121 ‘Specsavers’ Radio Advert – Portraying a Dog Attack on a Postal Worker

Specsavers

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CAPITA TVL: PAY 1^STJANUARY 2022 – REJECTED OFFER

Further to LTB115/22 dated 11^thMarch.

Branches are advised we met with our Capita TVL Reps yesterday.  A good discussion was held around Capita’s current position on pay 2022 along with our aspirations and we reached a consensus view that the current pay offer is inadequate, especially in today’s economic climate.

As a consequence, we have written to Paul Johnston, Managing Director again today, inviting him to improve the offer.  We also indicated we are willing to meet again to see if there is any possibility of closing the gap between the two respective positions.

 Next Steps

A further report will be provided to the Postal Executive in due course and we will then determine next steps.  In the meantime, we hope for a positive response from Paul Johnston as it is vital to receive an improved offer to avoid the possibility of conflict.

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

LTB 120/22 – Capita TVL Pay – 1st January 2022 – Rejected Offer

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Royal Mail/CWU Joint Statement on Indoor Workload Tool – Planning Value & Version 8 Update

Discussions have been taking place with Royal Mail over many months regarding the Indoor Workload Tool (IWT) and the change from version v7.5 to v8.0 to better reflect current processes and ways of working in Delivery Offices.

Many of the PV’s in the current version of IWT (v7.5) no longer reflect how the operation works and the system needs to be more agile so that as Royal Mail introduces new products and services.  The tool can then be updated quicker without having to make costly code changes. In addition, within IWT there is currently a limited amount of data analysis of what happened in previous weeks and some traffic data isn’t available until after the WRM is scheduled to happen. This means offices are making decisions without the most recent data and having to use excel for more detailed analysis.

Furthermore, as part of the Productivity Joint Working Group activity it was identified that there was an historic error in the calculation of workload for unloading Parcels which was recently identified during a joint RM & CWU audit as part of the productivity deep dives. This error has meant that offices have been credited too many hours for Receiving, Handling and Sorting Parcels, resulting in RM potentially planning their resource incorrectly. The release of version 8 of IWT will correct this.

Both parties recognise that the move to version 8 of the IWT is one of the biggest changes for many years to the system and its core planning and further believe that the update will assist in improving local unit’s ability to resource correctly, efficiently and with a greater level of transparency in line with mandatory Weekly Resourcing Meetings.

Therefore, we have agreed the attached Joint Statement which includes all of the background information, fully explains what IWT is, the rationale for the changes, what is not included at this time and is subject to ongoing discussions and finally the next steps and future reviews.

We have been clear in the Joint Statement that the use of IWT v8 will not change the total target work hours for a unit and that Unit managers and reps should continue to work together to determine the resource level required, to cover their forecast workload and achieve the unit’s overall WIPWH target.

In addition, to help give us further confidence that units base data and recording of hours is accurate, we have agreed that through each Weekly Resource Meeting managers and reps should use it to process and validate the Configuration data in IWT to ensure it is up to date and accurate and where errors are identified update this data.

Included in the Joint Statement at Annex A, is a full list of all values that are affected by this version release. In addition, we have also ensured at Annex B that a ‘joint checklist’ has been established to assist local DOMs and CWU Reps to ensure that the local AutoIWT (Indoor Workload Tool) data for their unit is accurate and up to date.

We have also agreed that the validation exercise will form part of discussions at all relevant Strategic Involvement meetings to ensure it has been completed.

In respect to all the above we have identified circa 40 units that have the greatest associated impact as a result of the changes linked to IWT v8. As such it has been agreed that for a 4-week period that they will be subject to reviews as part of the RM/CWU Systems JWG to ensure that all aspects of the Joint Statement are reviewed and outputs from the release of v8 are accurate. The key point is that it will not change the total target work hours for a unit.

We have also agreed that we will jointly be monitoring the changes to ensure the impact is fully understood and will provide ongoing support and guidance, ensuring that any feedback is captured and reviewed. Going forward, any changes required to IWT through ongoing maintenance and future version controls will form part of the continuing discussions via the National Systems JWG and subsequent updates will be issued as and when developments occur.

Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 540 , email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely, 

Mark Baulch                                                                                       

CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 119/22 – RM CWU JS on Indoor Workload Tool – Planning Value Version 8 Update

Att: RM_CWU IWT v8 Joint Statement_7th March – Final

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RMG – Environment Week – RMG SHE Huddle FY22 015 & Posters:

Royal Mail Group (RMG) have circulated the attached documents this week to all managers, in all functions, during ‘Environment Week’. The SHE Huddle and Posters are intended to act as a focal point during the week and an ongoing reminder of the environmental ambitions of the business, looking to go further in taking action to reduce the waste generated by RMG and water used by 25% by 2030.

RMG states that it is committed to providing sustainable services for customers and communities as the organisation delivers for the nation.

SHE Huddle FY22 015 Vehicle Washing 

This staff briefing concentrates on ensuring that fleet vehicle cleaning is undertaken using the correct equipment, vehicles are cleaned in compliance with environmental legislation, the cleaning doesn’t pose health and safety risks to drivers or members of the public and that there is no effluent discharged into the drainage system.

Posters

There are also two posters being circulated:

• The first is Waste Recovery/Disposal of Non-hazardous waste
• The second is Waste Recycling Mixed Recyclables

Attachments

• A copy of RMG SHE Huddle FY22 010 is attached.
• Waste Recycling Posters (2).

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 118/22 – RMG – Environment Week – RMG SHE Huddle FY22 015 & Posters

SHE Huddle FY22 015 Vehicle Washing

RM Waste Signs_Residual Waste (v1.0)

RM Waste Signs_Dry Mixed Recycling (v1.0)

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RMP&FS Property Week – RMG SHE Huddle FY22 010

RMP&FS have circulated the attached document this week to all managers in all functions which is intended to act as an ongoing reminder of the property tasks that require regular attention by PiCs and managers in all Royal Mail Group units.

Contractor Safety & Environmental Guide  

The Royal Mail Group Contractor Health, Safety & Environmental Guide has been reviewed and re-published on the SHEMS (SHE Management System) as an appendix to SHE Instruction 7.1 Contractor and Supplier Management. A copy is available on the Compliance Records Database (CRD) for all contractors https://royalmail.info-exchange.com/Secure/App-5. All contractors are required to have a copy whilst they are undertaking work on RMG sites.

Fire

PiCs must:

• Ensure that the unit carries out a fire drill at least every 6 months, and they might need to schedule more drills to ensure that different shift patterns are all able to participate.
• Fire doors must remain closed at all times unless they are held open with an approved device linked to the fire alarm system.
• All fires, however small must be reported to the CPC.
• Ensure that Yorks and other equipment are never allowed to block or obstruct fire exits.

Asbestos 

PiCs must:

• Ensure the latest version of the Asbestos Register is contained within the Site Log Book. They can obtain a copy by contacting the National Service Centre (0333 005 0312) or downloading from the CRD https://royalmail.info-exchange.com/Secure/App-5.
• Remember it is the PiCs responsibility to carry out regular inspections of the buildings and general environment, noting on the condition of ACMs in the workplace in the Unit Workplace Monthly Inspection Checklist. If any damage (observed or suspected) is found, it must be reported immediately to the National Service Centre on 0333 005 0312 and restrict access to the area.
• PiCs must familiarise themselves with ‘StayCalm’ guidance so they know what action to take should they suspect asbestos has been identified and/or disturbed: https://staycalm.online/on-site/incident/asbestos/ 

Statutory Compliance Checks

PiCs must:

• Legionella: Ensure the latest Legionella Risk Assessment (LRA) is documented in the Site Logbook and that they have read and understood it. If the LRA identifies that little used outlets are present at the site, they should ensure they carry out the weekly flushing regime, as required, and keep the records in Section 3 of the Site Logbook using Form: PFS2_001l.
• Emergency Lighting: Ensure that monthly emergency lighting tests are undertaken, and results recorded in the Site Log Book. If any faults are identified report these to the National Service Centre.

Compliance Records Database – how to identify and address remedial actions 

• PiCs/Unit Managers, are responsible for closing out a number of actions for varying compliance areas, for example: fire and legionella risk assessments, ventilation assessments. To assist with this, a quick guide has been developed alongside the existing information on the Compliance Records Database. There is a Link for further information and a ‘Help section’ in the Huddle document.
• Additionally, there are several earlier remedial action instructions, including a short audio visual guide and another which shows users how to download a list of all actions for bulk updates.

Supporting Information and links provide further information and guidance on the topics above: 

She Instruction 5.2 – Fire Safety Management

SHE Instruction 7.1 Contractor Management

SHE Instruction 9.3 Asbestos Management

SHE Instruction 9.4 – Legionella

https://royalmail.info-exchange.com/Secure/App-5

Asbestos

Attachment 

A copy of RMG SHE Huddle FY22 010 is attached. 

(NOTE: RMP&FS have apologised to the CWU/HQ Health, Safety & Environment Department for the late communication of RMG SHE Huddle FY22 010 but have stressed that the information is appropriate year round and not just during the launch week).

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB117 RMP&FS Property Week – RMG SHE Huddle FY22 010

SHE Huddle FY20 010 Property Week 2022

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Royal Mail Group (RMG) – Contractors Health, Safety & Environmental Guide

Following discussions and consultation with Royal Mail Property and Facilities Solutions (RMP&FS), a new RMG Contractor Health, Safety and Environment Guide has been produced and published W/C 7 March which has been distributed throughout Royal Mail Group (Royal Mail, Parcelforce, RM SHE, RMP&FS, RM Engineering, RM Fleet, RMSS, RMCE etc.) via various communication channels.

This is an important publication providing concise, brief but comprehensive and important guidance to help ensure the safety of Royal Mail Group workers and the contractors’ workers whilst contractors are working on Royal Mail Group sites, in and around the operation and staff.

The Health, Safety & Environment Department has had to deal with a number of complaints in the past where contractors have failed to follow site rules and safe working methods whilst on Royal Mail, and Parcelforce sites and this new guidance communicates a clear message and instructions to all concerned about what is required of contractors and what PiCs, managers and Union Reps need to do in the event of health, safety or environmental issues arising.

Any company, as with RMG, engaging contractors has legal health and safety responsibilities, both for the contractors and anyone else that could be affected by their activities. The contractors themselves also have legal health and safety responsibilities they must comply with. It’s important for the PiCs (Persons in Charge) of RMG offices and sites to ensure that everyone understands the part they need to play in ensuring and complying with health and safety.

Use of contractors in itself does not result in poor health and safety standards, but poor management and poor compliance with safe working methods can lead to dangerous occurrences, accidents, injuries, ill health, plus damage, costs and delays. Working closely with contractors will reduce the risks to Royal Mail employees and the contractors themselves.

It’s always important to remember that contractors may be at particular risk – they may be strangers to the workplace and therefore unfamiliar with Royal Mail Group’s organisation and procedures, rules, hazards and risks. Even regular contractors may need reminding. The level of control needed will, of course, be proportionate to the complexity of the tasks and work being undertaken, especially if high numbers of contractors come on-site to complete work over a period of time.

PiCs and Managers:

• Need to ensure the contractors have a site induction before beginning work on site.
• Need to obtain the contractor’s health and safety plans.
• Need to tell the contractors about any specific risks within the workplace, e.g. the location of asbestos containing materials, remembering that some of the risks in the workplace may not be obvious to the contractors.
• Need to share work method statements or safe systems of work.
• Need to tell employees and contractors about the risks, and make sure that the contractors provide information about any additional risks they will be introducing to the site whilst they are present.
• Need to communicate, co-ordinate and co-operate so that employees and contractors know what is expected of them and when, and everyone understands their individual roles.
• Need to be clear about the work expected by the contractors and standards of competence.
• Need to demonstrate the importance Royal Mail Group places on health and safety.
• Need to ensure short cuts are not taken.
• Need to ensure a pre-start meeting is held in order to ensure co-ordination and communication, pre-start planning, preparation and consultation with all stakeholders and CWU Reps takes place.
• Need to hold regular joint progress meetings involving CWU Reps and raise health and safety issues as they occur.
• Need to address health and safety failings by engaging directly with the contractors.
• Need to monitor the contractor’s health and safety performance.
• Need to include contractors’ activities in all safety inspections and checks.
• Need to ‘stop the work’ if there are serious health and safety concerns.
• Need to jointly investigate and address the root cause of any incidents, feeding back results of the investigation and remedial action to everyone involved. All workers should have clear lines of communication to report concerns.

The New RMG Contractors Health, Safety & Environmental Guide.

A copy of the new guide is attached for the ASRs and WSR to use as an important information and quick reference tool when contractors are coming on site to undertake any works either planned or reactive.

Subjects covered are:

• Arrival on site
• Emergency arrangements
• Hazard Information
• Safe working requirements
• CDM and Construction Work
• Permit To Work
• Roof Work – Work at Height
• Electricity
• Vehicles
• Asbestos
• Confined Spaces
• Incidents or Accidents
• Where to report any issues related to contractors or engineers which is the RMP&FS National Service Centre on: 0333 005 0312.
• All accidents, injuries, environmental incidents or dangerous occurrences are to be reported via ERICA, in addition to the National Service Centre.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB116 RMG – Contractors Health, Safety & Environmental Guide

RMG_Contractor Health Safety Environmental Guide

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