We have been advised by the Newcastle Amal branch that Tom Gaffney, former UCW Executive Council Member and Chair, sadly passed away last week at the age of 90.
Tom joined the old GPO in 1960 and served as a member of the union’s Executive Council from 1984 up until his retirement in 1995.
Tom was also a stalwart of the Newcastle Amal branch holding numerous positions within the branch from 1972 through to his election to the National Executive.
We wish to place on record our sincere condolences to Tom’s wife Sheridan and all his family.
Further information will be sent out on Tom’s funeral arrangements once they are known.
Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the General Secretary’s office aobrien@cwu.org.
Royal Mail: PFSL Pay – National Briefing & Membership Consultative Ballot
Further to LTB 221/26 dated 6th August. Branches are advised that our negotiating team met with PFSL management face to face earlier today. Whilst the meeting was cordial, unfortunately we were unable to make any further progress and there are no further pay meetings planned at this stage. As a consequence, the Postal Executive has this afternoon made the following decisions:
Consultative Ballot of PFSL Members (timetable to be confirmed) – we will undertake a consultative ballot of all PFSL members with a recommendation that the members support the Postal Executive’s rejection of the pay offer coupled with the lack of progress on Conference policy in respect of PFSL members being eligible to join the Collective Plan pension scheme.
National Briefing – To support the preparation for the consultative ballot, we will hold a National Briefing of Branch Secretaries with PFSL members, along with Local and Senior PFSL Representatives on:
Wednesday 9th September – 12.30 – 15:30
Indian YMCA
41 Fitzroy Square,
London W1T 6AQ
The National Briefing will enable Reps to fully discuss the pay offer and the reasons for rejecting it, along with the need to deliver the necessary support for rejecting the pay offer in the forthcoming consultative ballot.
Branches and PFSL Representatives are urged to make this National Briefing a priority.
In preparation for this year’s National Young Workers Conference, taking place in Manchester on 21st October 2026, the Union is facilitating two motion writing workshops taking place on the below dates.
The purpose of these workshops is to help branch young worker officers prepare motions for conference by developing an understanding of how motions should be worded, what issues comprise suitable topics for the young worker conference and how the process of debating, voting and implementing a motion is a core part of the Union’s democracy.
The sessions will be delivered via zoom by Joyce Stevenson from the Standing Orders Committee and Kerry Fleck, Young Workers Co-ordinator. They are open to all CWU members aged 30 or under who are considering attending conference and are interested in submitting a motion, they do not need any prior knowledge or materials but should consider some topics for a possible motion in advance.
Workshop 1: Wednesday 2nd September 1pm Workshop 2: Wednesday 2nd September 7pm
Branches are further reminded of the below deadlines relating to the Young Worker Conference and encouraged to urgently sign-up delegates to facilitate organisation.
Young Worker Conference Motion Deadline: 21st September (12noon)
Young Worker Conference Delegate Registration Deadline: 9th October
Branches will be aware that the CWU has supported a campaign called Truth About Zane for many years. Following a tragic incident which occurred in 2014, whereby 7-year-old Zane Gbangbola died following flooding across the UK.
After floodwater entered the basement of Zane’s home in Chertsey, Surrey, Zane and his father lost consciousness. Zane’s father Kye survived but now lives with paralysis however young Zane tragically lost his life. Since then, the fight for the truth regarding the real cause of Zane’s death has raised high profile interest from across the political and media world.
Zane’s death was registered as being caused by carbon monoxide pump which was alleged to have been used to pump flood water from the home. However, emergency services at the scene recorded levels of Hydrogen Cyanide. Leading to emergency government COBRA meetings and specialists from the military Science and Technology laboratory in Porton Down attending the scene and securing the area for a number of months.
In the search for answers, Zane’s parents met with a number of whistle blowers and journalists who discovered that the land around their home had previously been used for military testing.
For over 12 years, the family have fought for answers with the full support of the CWU and other trade unions. The fundamental demand from the campaign has remained for a full independent panel Inquiry.
We are now pleased to confirm that the government has now granted this, indeed it has been strengthened to a Non-Statutory Public Inquiry incorporating the provisions of the Hillsborough Law, The Public Authority Accountability Act. The panel will now be able to access all redacted documents and information surrounding this tragic case and the
supporters of the campaign are confident the family will now achieve the justice they deserve.
Election of: Parcelforce Worldwide Area Health & Safety Representative and Substitute Area Health & Safety Representative 2026 – Central Region
The elections for the two positions above were originally held in January 2026. Following an issue that has come to light regarding the nomination process, the election for these two posts is now being re-held.
Therefore, nominations are invited from Branches with Members in the Central Parcelforce Worldwide region (including members in RMSS) for the following:
Parcelforce Worldwide Area Health & Safety Representative.
Substitute Parcelforce Area Health & Safety Representative.
The term of office for the above positions concludes in March 2028 and the date of commencement will be notified following the conclusion of these elections. Candidates should, however, be aware that the above positions have been under review for some time by the CWU & Parcelforce and therefore the term of office may be subject to change.
A Nomination form is attached to this LTB. All branch nominations must be agreed at a properly constituted branch meeting. Branches must also ensure they adopt the ‘Branch best practice’ for nominations as outlined in LTB 197/26 circulated on 10 July 2026. Nomination forms must be signed by the Branch Secretary and Branch Chair (or accredited deputies) and the nominee. Completed forms mustbe returned by email, to the following email elections@cwu.org by 30th September 2026 (14.00).
The timetable for the election is as follows:
Nominations Open: 24thAugust 2026
Nominations Close: 30thSeptember 2026 (14.00)
If Ballots are required, branches will be advised of the timetable in due course. Any ballots will be conducted on an individual member ballot basis of the relevant eligible CWU members and will be conducted in accordance with the election guidelines for CWU Senior Regional/Field officials. A copy of the guidelines is attached for information.
Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Lisa Parrett on telephone number 020 8971 7222, or email address lparrett@cwu.org.
National Network Review (Network 26) Update – Deployment Date
Further to LTB 118/26 Monday 14thSeptember 2026 has been agreed as the target deployment date for the National Network Review (Network 26).
The aim will now be to ensure that any outstanding issues are resolved, through the IR Framework if necessary, and duty sets and re-picks are concluded where possible in readiness for the deployment date. The NWG will remain available to offer advice and assistance where necessary.
Branches and representatives are requested to ensure that our Network members are made aware of the contents of this LTB at the earliest opportunity.
Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: jrodrigues@cwu.org or jmansell@cwu.org quoting reference LTB 232/26.
The course will focus on a number of areas designed to better equip representatives with mis-truths, difficult conversations in the workplace and more.
If you wish to attend the training, please contact your branch, applications should be made via the Portal by the 14th September 2026.
Royal Mail Group – Severe Weather Guidance Updated Version (v2.3)
Dear Colleagues,
The purpose of this LTB is to advise Branches, Representatives and members alike of an updated version of the RMG Severe Weather Guidance, which reflects previous and ongoing discussions held with Royal Mail to date.
As a means of background, we have been in discussions with Royal Mail on seeking enhancements to its overall Severe Weather Guidance, which is the Royal Mail Group’s primary safety document designed to address all-year-round severe weather conditions, but with recent focus obviously covering the ongoing spell of extreme heat.
Whilst updated versions of the Severe Weather Guidance have been issued to CWU Safety Reps during this period of discussions to ensure enhancements made are communicated at the time, and following the former RMG Severe Weather Guidance (v1.0) issued last year. For direct reference, please find attached to this LTB the latest version of the guidance.
All Representatives (both Safety and IR) are encouraged to make themselves familiar with the full details of this Severe Weather Guidance, but particular attention is drawn to the following details:
The Severe Weather Guidance covers all operations, functions, and business units and should be used by all managers who have line manager responsibility.
The guidance supports Royal Mail’s duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc, Act 1974, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which require the assessment and control of risks arising from severe weather conditions, including extreme heat.
The guidance is clear on the matter of CWU Workplace Safety Representatives (WSRs) and Area Safety Representatives (ASRs) consultation around severe weather assessments, including involvement in the severe weather twice-a-year preparation checklist activity.
It outlines the inclusion of UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Alerts as part of the overall Severe Weather Guidance.
It confirms the need and requirement for advanced and individual support for members at increased risk due to extreme heat, alongside outlining an initial list of examples of such groups of individuals.
It confirms that all managers who have line manager responsibility should subscribe for email notifications from both the MET Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
It confirms that a Severe Weather Manager Assessment (SWMA) and duty adjustments are required at the point of a UKHSA Yellow Alert in the case of heat, for members at increased risk.
It confirms that a SWMA and duty adjustments are required for all other members at the point of a UKHSA Amber and Red Alert, and MET Office Amber and Red Warnings, in the case of heat.
It confirms that all managers who have line manager responsibility must brief staff when there is a UKHSA Yellow Alert and MET Office Yellow warning. It confirms that a Severe Weather Manager Assessment and duty adjustments are required at the point of a UKHSA Amber and Red Alert, and MET Office Amber and Red Warnings, in the case of other severe weather conditions. With the temporary stoppage of all outdoor activities in the case of a Red Alert/Warning against other weather conditions.
It further confirms that in the case of all individuals who fall under the ‘Person Specifically at Risk’ process (disability, young person, new or expectant mother), the impact of all types of severe weather should be considered in their risk assessment.
It offers a list of duty adjustments and controls applicable against different types of weather conditions and covers both indoor and outdoor working. It includes the provisions of additional breaks with workload adjustments to support these breaks being taken in the case of heat.
It confirms that all managers who have line manager responsibility must communicate to staff what they need to do during the period of severe weather and keep a record of what was briefed.
It confirms the need to make staff aware that they need to apply Dynamic Risk Assessments and are empowered to make decisions such as returning to their unit/not attempting to make a delivery or collection at a given location/s, in severe weather conditions.
The guidance confirms that in the case of RED Warnings/Alerts from the MET Office or UKHSA, a national level urgent meeting will be held to review and agree further required actions.
The guidance outlines that a central database will record all submitted Severe Weather Manager Assessments in the case of MET Office or UKHSA Warnings/Alerts. This database will be shared with the CWU nationally for onward circulation to CWU ASRs to support confirmation of the mandatory application of these severe weather assessments.
In summary, it confirms the direct requirement for an assessment and adjustment in working arrangements linked to the outlined levels of UKHSA and MET Office Alerts and Warnings. This means that when such levels of Alerts and Warnings are in place, risk reduction controls must be put in place locally and clearly communicated.
Whilst our discussions to date have resulted in enhancements to the former Severe Weather Guidance issued last year, our talks continue, in particular, in relation to the matter of Red MET Warnings and UKHSA Red Alerts covering heat, which remains an area of disagreement between us and RMG.
Accordingly, both parties have now agreed to escalate these discussions upwards with the aim of seeking to establish common ground on this point, but in the absence of any wider Health and Safety regulations covering a maximum indoor and outdoor working temperature.
It is hoped that the circulation of this most up-to-date version of the RMG Severe Weather Guidance will offer further assistance to Branches, our Representatives and members in dealing with this current and unprecedented spell of extreme heat, alongside other severe weather conditions going forward.
Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be referred to the DGS(P) Department, email address: Hford@cwu.org or ACorbett@cwu.org.
An “exceptional” wildfire risk has been declared across many parts of the UK.
The National Fire Chiefs Council has recently declared that firefighters have responded to 185 wildfires in the first 10 days of August alone, while July was the busiest month on record for wildfires with 458 incidents in England and Wales.
In Northern Ireland, the Wildfires Action Plan to 2030 has been introduced through a multi-agency approach as part of the Wildfires Strategic Framework to tackle the increasing threat of wildfires. Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service wildfire action plan
UK Wildfire Risk Map
The Moorland Association has used open-source data alongside expert analysis to map the risk threat in each parliamentary constituency. This covers all parliamentary constituencies across the whole of the UK and branches are encouraged to examine the current wildfire risks in your area. This very useful live risk map can be viewed via the link below.
A wildfire is any uncontrolled vegetation fire serious enough to require an emergency response. Typically, they include fires covering at least a hectare of land (approximately the size of 2 rugby pitches), with flames over 1.5 metres high.
Should I wear a face mask?
According to the UKHSA ( UK Health Security Agency – wildfires), face masks such as surgical masks are not usually recommended as they do not necessarily protect against all the pollutants that may be present in the smoke.
Wait at a safe, agreed location if requested and provide emergency services with further details.
Do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself.
Do not travel to the area of a wildfire, as this may slow the emergency response.
Wildfires often occur during dry periods, and the smoke and ash from such fires can affect respiratory conditions. If wildfire smoke is affecting air quality in your area, keep windows and doors closed.
Always follow the advice of emergency services and local authorities, including any instruction to evacuate or stay indoors with windows closed.
Always remain aware – wildfires rapidly approach and can easily consume your imagination. However, the number one cause of death from fires is smoke inhalation.
What’s in wildfire smoke?
Wildfire smoke is a mixture of thousands of individual compounds, including harmful particles and gases that pose a severe health risk to anyone (including pets) nearby and downwind from a fire. Wildfires can lead to a range of health impacts, including injuries, respiratory and cardiovascular effects from smoke exposure. The UKHSA have produced guidance from UKHSA scientists to provide a health impact overview of wildfires within the UK. This UKHSA document is provided with this LTB.
When to use a Dynamic Risk Assessment
A Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) is a rapid, real-time process of identifying and evaluating new or changed hazards during a work task and making immediate decisions to reduce risk and prevent harm. The concept of dynamic risk assessment is particularly useful in settings where the level of risk is subject to variation and where people often need to make quick decisions to manage that risk.
Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 can be applied individually by a worker who reasonably believes they face serious and imminent danger.
According to the latest available revised legislation (updated to November 2025) from the UK government’s official legislation site, Section 44 is very much in force and remains part of current law.
UKHSA Partial Solar Eclipse – General Risk Prevention advice
Dear Colleagues,
The UKHSA UK Health Security Agency – GOV.UK has issued health prevention advice for Wednesday 12 August 2026, this is when a partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of the UK.
This event will cover the widest area of the UK since the 1999 Solar Eclipse.
Following the 1999 total solar eclipse, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists reported 70 cases of people reporting vision loss within 2 days of the event.
Serious eye problems such as solar retinopathy can occur and although in mild situations vision can recover over time without medication, in extreme cases this can lead to irreversible eye damage or eyesight loss.
There is wide public health guidance available, aimed at encouraging safe viewing of this partial eclipse event.
If you choose to observe the eclipse, it is important that all the following precautions are followed without exception.
Before the Eclipse
Obtain certified eclipse viewing glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
Inspect eclipse glasses for scratches, tears, punctures, or other damage.
Ensure all participants understand the risks of viewing the Sun without protection.
During the Eclipse
Always wear approved eclipse glasses when looking at the Sun.
Do not use
Ordinary sunglasses
Smoked glass
CDs/DVDs
Camera film
Binoculars without solar filters
Telescopes without solar filters
When Using Optical Equipment
Binoculars, telescopes, cameras, and spotting scopes must be fitted with a special solar filter mounted on the front of the device.
Never look through optical equipment while wearing eclipse glasses alone, as concentrated sunlight can cause severe eye injury.
Emergency Actions
If anyone experiences: blurred vision, blind spots, distorted vision or eye discomfort following the eclipse viewing please seek medical advice from an eye care professional as soon as possible.
Children should be always supervised.
The Royal Observatory be broadcasting a free, safe live feed of the 12th of Augustpartial solar eclipse online.
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 