ROYAL MAIL GROUP: DRUGS AND ALCOHOL NATIONAL COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT – SUPPORT & REHABILITATION SERVICE AND FOR-CAUSE TESTING FOR DRIVERS

Branches will be aware via the seven LTBs issued last year on this subject matter, that the Postal Executive previously endorsed a number of extensions to the original For-Cause testing Pilot for Drugs & Alcohol, which has been in operation since January 2025, initially in Wales and then across a further six ROD areas.

Following what was evidently a very successful Pilot, both in terms of duration and scale from a monitoring perspective, the Postal Executive agreed the principle of negotiating a For-Cause Testing National Collective Agreement for roll-out across RMG for Drivers only.

We would like to thank our Reps in the seven ROD areas for their assistance in helping to make sure the Pilot ran smoothly. Where problems have been identified (which have been very few in number), the important factor to bear in mind is that people voluntarily entered the S&R programme to enable them to address any issues they feel they may have in respect of dependency on drugs or alcohol.  Indeed, the statistics provided to us by RMG indicate that the supportive nature of the S&R programme has encouraged individuals to sign-up to receive the help they need. This in turn has resulted in a significant number of members who entered the programme successfully completing it.

Since our Postal Conference in May, extensive negotiations have taken place with RMG and we can now report that we have reached a National Collective Agreement – Support & Rehabilitation Service and For-Cause Testing for Drivers, which is attached to this LTB. The Agreement, which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive, includes the following key features:

• Drivers Only – the For-Cause testing section of the Agreement reached applies to Drivers only, the definition of which has been clearly defined in the Agreement. Drivers includes van share pairings as the van share partner is expected to be able to drive at any point during the duty if the driver is incapacitated in any way. It also includes managers, which was a recurring theme raised by Branches at the various Briefings for the Pilot. The exact definition, as contained in the Agreement, is as follows:

Drivers, for the purposes of this agreement, refers to all employees, including managers, who are: contractually obligated to drive as part of their role for Royal Mail, or are scheduled or agree to drive on a particular day or are working in van share pairings whether they are the primary driver or not

 Wellbeing of Employees – the National Agreement centres around the Support & Rehabilitation (S&R) programme and heavily focuses on the wellbeing of employees. The following sentence has been included in the Agreement under the section in relation to monitoring following S&R:

 In all situations where disciplinary action is being considered managers must seek support and guidance from the ER Advisory Services team. and ensure the employee’s wellbeing is fully considered as the primary position when determining next steps.

• Six-Month Amnesty from the introduction of the Agreement. There will be no use of discipline following a positive test, providing the member agrees to enter the S&R programme – in other words, the same principle that has applied throughout the Pilot. This effectively means we have secured in total a two year “soft landing” as the Pilot commenced in January 2025. There is, however, the inclusion of an extra caveat to be applied during the six-month amnesty. This relates to a driver testing positive having already driven a RMG vehicle on the day of testing.
• After the Six-Month amnesty – there is strong wording around the consideration of alternatives to disciplinary action where someone has a positive test as follows:

Where disciplinary action is considered, the manager will fully take into account any mitigation and the outcome will be dependent on the individual circumstances of the case, including the employee’s wellbeing. The manager should seek advice and support from the ER Advisory Services Team where it will also be considered if a referral to the Support and Rehabilitation Programme is appropriate.

The above is designed to give the managers a real alternative to discipline, especially in cases where the member’s wellbeing is a genuine concern.  A referral back to S&R could well be appropriate in these circumstances and it gives managers the opportunity to take a more sympathetic approach.

• Leaving the Business due to Ill Health: Under S&R, if the member does not successfully complete the programme, the National Agreement includes the following words:

” In some cases, consideration of the Leaving the Business due to Ill Health process may be appropriate”.

This gives the managers a genuine alternative option to discipline and is something that our Reps can pursue on behalf of members where appropriate.

• Owner / Agency Drivers – whilst this area is not covered directly in the Agreement, we have agreed a way forward and this is contained within the attached side letter, which Branches will recognise the importance of. It should be noted that drivers in Parcelforce were not included in the extended Pilot as this area hadn’t been resolved to our satisfaction. The side letter is vital as it provides a strong message that non-employees will be held to account through the same standards as those who are directly employed.

Briefing of Representatives (not involved in the extended Pilot) – Tuesday 30^thJune 11.30am – 2.30pm

Branches are advised that we will be holding a Briefing of Branches & Reps that were not involved in the extended Pilot.  For clarity, this applies to the following five ROD areas, as well as Fleet and Parcelforce.

• ROD – Greater London
• ROD – Midlands
• ROD – North-West
• ROD – South Midlands
• ROD – Yorkshire

The following Reps are invited to this Briefing:

• Senior Field Officials including Regional Parcel Organisers, Fleet Territorial Reps, and Divisional Reps
• Branch Secretaries
• Area Reps
• Area Safety Reps

The Briefing will take place from 11.30am-2.30pm on Tuesday 30^th Juneat:

Birmingham District Amal Office
47 Summer Lane
Hockley
Birmingham
B19 3TH

Deployment of National Agreement

We are still in discussions with RMG regarding the exact date for introduction, as there will need to be briefings for managers as well as our Reps, and joint communications are being considered for launching the National Agreement.

Conclusion

The Postal Executive has endorsed the Collective Agreement on the basis that the extended Pilot, which ultimately has operated across seven ROD areas was deemed to be highly successful in regard to how the Terms of Reference for the Pilot were operated, coupled with the fact we don’t have any Conference policy around these matters.

The Agreement also fully recognises that the Equality Act 2010 (and the equivalent in Northern Ireland) needs to be followed in all circumstances, and crucially, in line with our policies, the Agreement has been equality-proofed by Kate Hudson, Head of Equality, Education & Development, who proposed a number of important additions into the draft Agreement, which RMG accepted.

Last, but not least, the Postal Executive endorsed this new National Agreement as it is confident we have built into the Agreement a number of key safeguards and protections for our members going forward. The Agreement should be viewed primarily from a perspective of wellbeing and Health & Safety for our members whilst performing driving duties.  The Agreement is not designed to be punitive as it has been constructed on the basis of wanting to help people that may have a problem. It is on that basis that we would ask Reps to encourage members join the S&R programme where there is knowledge of a potential underlying condition that may be described as a dependency.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey                                                        Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary                                       Assistant Secretary

Tony Bouch
Assistant Secretary

LTB174.26 ROYAL MAIL GROUP DRUGS AND ALCOHOL NATIONAL COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT – SUPPORT REHABILITATION SERVICE AND FOR-CAUSE TESTING FOR DRIVERS

Side Letter on DA Testing for Drivers Final 12.06.26

Drugs Alcohol Agreement Final 17.06.26 (002)

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National Clean Air Day – 18^th June 2026

About National Clean Air Day

National Clean Air Day is the UK’s largest air pollution awareness campaign, coordinated each year by environmental charity Global Action Plan. The day brings together schools, employers, healthcare providers, and local authorities to highlight the health impacts of air pollution and to push for cleaner air.

The day aims to raise public understanding of how air pollution affects health, focusing on children, older people, and those with existing heart and lung conditions. It is supported by the NHS, Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, British Heart Foundation, Asthma + Lung UK, and many local authorities and businesses.

The campaign runs activities and toolkits throughout the run-up, with online and in-person events held on the day itself in workplaces, schools, hospitals, and town centres across the UK. The official hashtag is #CleanAirDay.

Why National Clean Air Day Matters

Air pollution is the largest environmental risk to UK public health. Public Health England has linked long-term exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide to between 28,000 and 36,000 premature deaths per year in the UK. Air pollution is associated with heart disease, stroke, asthma, lung cancer, dementia, low birth weight, and stunted lung development in children. Even short-term spikes in pollution can trigger asthma attacks and heart attacks. Despite some progress on reducing certain pollutants, the World Health Organisation’s stricter 2021 air quality guidelines are still routinely exceeded across UK towns and cities.

The campaign encourages practical actions to improve air quality, including walking, cycling, or wheeling instead of short car journeys, switching off idling engines, and running school assemblies to educate children about air pollution.

The day serves as both an educational and advocacy platform, encouraging citizens and policymakers to take action for cleaner air.

Visit the Global Action Plan website for more information, support and ways to get involved:  https://www.actionforcleanair.org.uk/campaigns/clean-air-day

Promoting the Trade Union Clean Air Network.

TUCAN (Trade Union Clean Air Network) is an alliance of trade unions and campaign organisations. There are currently thirteen unions alongside the CWU, and other organisations who signed up to the TUCAN Charter in 2019. This charter forms part of the ongoing work needed to make sure that air pollution in the workplace is given the attention it needs. The CWU have now registered an interest in membership of the TUCAN Steering Group.

The TUCAN resource web pages offer a range of resources to trade union representatives, members, and others who want to take up this issue in their workplaces and communities.

TUCAN Resources – Greener Jobs Alliance

This LTB is shared on behalf of CWU Central Services.

If you have any questions or need any further information, or have a specific interest in our ongoing work with TUCAN, please contact:

Jamie McGovern FRSPH MIIAI 

CWU Health & Safety Policy Assistant at

jmcgovern@cwu.org

LTB 173/26 – National Clean Air Day 18th June

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Men’s Health Week 15^th – 21^st June 2026

Men’s Health Week 2026 is being observed from Monday 15th to Sunday 21st June, coinciding with the week leading up to Father’s Day in the UK. The week aims to highlight preventable health issues affecting men and promote early detection, healthier lifestyle choices, and mental well-being. On the island of Ireland, the theme for 2026 is “One Step at a Time”, encouraging men to make gradual progress in improving their health rather than seeking perfection.

The week is designed to raise awareness of men’s health challenges, including higher rates of chronic diseases, late presentation to healthcare services, and mental health issues. Men are statistically less likely to seek help for mental health concerns, contributing to higher suicide rates among males, with around three-quarters of suicides in England and Wales in 2023 being male. Men’s Health Week encourages men to take proactive steps for both physical and mental health,fostering conversations and reducing stigma.

How to Participate

Individuals and organisations can get involved in several ways:

• Health Check-ups: Encourage men to schedule routine screenings such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and prostate exams.
• Workshops and Education: Organise sessions on nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. The Men’s Health Forum offers workshops like Men and Masculinity to explore the impact of societal expectations on men’s health.
• Physical Activities: Promote group walks, sports events, or fitness challenges to encourage active lifestyles.
• Mental Health Conversations: Start discussions in workplaces, communities, or families to support emotional well-being.

Men’s Health Week 2026 is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and take small, practical steps toward better health. Simple actions – like booking a delayed health screening, taking a proper lunch break, or opening up about stress can have a meaningful impact on men’s well-being and the health of their families and communities.

By participating, individuals and organisations contribute to a broader effort to improve men’s health outcomes, reduce stigma, and promote sustainable lifestyle changes across the UK.

For more information, support and ways to get involved, visit the Men’s Health Forum website here: Men’s Health Week 2026 | Men’s Health Forum.

Organisations like Mates in Mind provide guidance for building supportive workplace cultures and implementing effective mental health interventions.  Visit their website here: Men’s Health Week 15-21 June 2026 resources | Mates in Mind.

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 172/26 – Mens Health Week Week 15th – 21st June 2026

Bp poster

askyourpharmacis

mens-health-week-2026-generic-poster

Male cancer 1

MHW prostrate

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ELECTION OF NATIONAL DELEGATIONS – 2026

• TUC Congress
• Labour Party Conference

Further to LTB 155/26 dated 20^th May 2026, please see below ballot results for the National Delegations which closed at 14.00 on the 12^th June 2026:-

TUC – Postal Constituency

Lay Members (5 Members to be elected)Adam AlarakhiaLeicestershire53,873*ElectedMark BrownColchester & District11,010 John CarsonGlasgow & District Amal64,546*ElectedSteve CrokeSouth Midlands Postal35,542 Keith HamiltonSouth Central Postal44,404*ElectedDarren JonesLeicestershire11,441 Sajid ShaikhBirmingham District Amal42,922*ElectedTony SneddonScotland No 524,372  Lee Starr-ElliottBristol & District Amal35,947 Usman VarudiLeicestershire2,966 Tom WalkerNorthern Home Counties Postal37,295*Elected

LABOUR PARTY – Postal Constituency

Lay Members (4 Members to be elected)Paul BraithwaiteNorth Lancs & Cumbria34,731*ElectedHuw DaviesLondon Phoenix44,108*ElectedHugh GaffneyGlasgow & District Amal48,491*ElectedDarren JonesLeicestershire17,218 David MullaneyBristol & District Amal21,777 Tom WalkerNorthern Home Counties Postal29,644*Elected

LABOUR PARTY – TFS Constituency

Lay Members (3 Members to be elected)Craig AndersonScotland No 113,345*ElectedPeter FrancisCapital15,381*ElectedBrian KennyMersey12,958*ElectedStephen PhillipsEssex & Central Counties4,323 

Please find attached a branch analysis of the ballot results.

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

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward

General Secretary

LTB 171/26 – Election of National Delegations – TUC Congress: Labour Party Conference – 2026

TUC Ballot Returns (xl download)

Lab Party Postal Returns (xl download)

Lab Party TFS Returns (xl download)

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ROYAL MAIL: ATTENDANCE AND DISCIPLINARY NATIONAL AGREEMENTS

Branches will be aware that we advised Conference last month that two new National Agreements for Attendance and Disciplinary had recently been endorsed by the Postal Executive and these had emanated out of Emergency Motion E1 from Conference 2024 and the resultant HR Summit held last year with Royal Mail.  The two new Agreements are crucial and should be seen in the context of the wider Reset programme and the agreed principles of establishing significantly better ER and IR environment.

Earlier this week, a joint Postal Executive/Senior Field Officials briefing was held and presentations, followed by Q&A sessions took place on the two National Agreements.  These sessions were productive and interactive with good questions being posed.  It should be noted that the information provided was confidential, as Royal Mail have not at this stage shared the Agreements with their senior operational and HR managers, and in any event, the current arrangements remain in place.

In respect of next steps, we are due to meet with Royal Mail the week after next to continue negotiations on the various supporting materials, which are described as policies and guidelines that underpin the Collective Agreements.  We are also involved in discussions to review and revise the NAP arrangements, whilst retaining an independent Appeals Chair.

At an appropriate point, once we have completed the associated negotiations, and the Postal Executive has had the opportunity to review and endorse the supporting materials, there will be a National Briefing of Branches to present the two Agreements, and thereafter we will conduct consultative Branch Ballots to seek ratification of the Agreements.  The plan is for the two Agreements to be simultaneously introduced later this year, following Royal Mail’s introduction of a new HR/Finance system.  This project is fundamental for Royal Mail as it includes payroll, along with payments arising from the RMPP and the Collective Plan pension schemes. Therefore, at this stage, we are unable to indicate when the new Attendance and Disciplinary Agreements will be activated due to the system changes.

In the meantime, we are making good preparations for an extensive training programme of all Reps and this will be led by Kate Hudson, Head of Equality, Education & Development and her team.  The clear intention is to ensure that our Reps are fully equipped and knowledgeable to undertake representations on behalf of our members on Attendance and Disciplinary matters in keeping with these new Agreements.  Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

LTB 170/26 – Royal Mail Attendance and Disciplinary Agreements

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CWU 2027 Diary 

We are now taking orders for CWU 2027 diary. Please find attached diary order form.

The CWU pocket diary is priced at £2.50 each and the A5 desk diary is priced at £4.00 each.

Completed order forms should be returned by Friday 25^th September.  Diaries will be dispatched w/c Monday 26^th October 2026.

Any enquiries on this LTB should be addressed to Marcia Murray by email mmurray@cwu.org

Kind regards,

Marcia Murray
Communications Department

26LTB169 CWU 2027 Diary

CWU Diary Order Form

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FRED JEPSON – FORMER CWU PRESIDENT, NEC AND POSTAL EXECUTIVE MEMBER

It is with deep sadness that I write to advise branches that Fred Jepson, former CWU President, NEC and Postal Executive member, passed away yesterday following long-term health issues.

CWU Representatives who knew Fred will fondly remember him as a lifelong trade unionist and a larger-than-life advocate for our members and working-class people.

He joined one of our predecessor unions, the UPW in 1970 and went on to hold numerous union positions in the Mount Pleasant Branch, including Branch Secretary.

Fred was also subsequently elected to other positions including District Organiser at LDC3, London Regional Secretary, the Postal Executive, NEC and ended his career in the union as National President in 2002. 

Throughout his time in the union, he was known for his passionate speeches in members meetings and at conference and will always be remembered as one of the true characters in the history of our organisation. 

On behalf of the whole of the CWU, we offer our sincere condolences to Fred’s wife Cherry and his family.

We will advise branches of the arrangements for his funeral in due course and in the meantime branches and representatives may wish to send condolence cards to the following address:

4a North Road, Brightlingsea, Essex CO7 OPL.

Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the General Secretary’s Office at dlynch@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward

General Secretary

LTB 166/26 – FRED JEPSON – FORMER CWU PRESIDENT NEC AND POSTAL EXECUTIVE MEMBER

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CWU AWARENESS OF RECALLED PRODUCTS DUE TO ASBESTOS HAZARD RISKS

In the last week, the UK office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) updated its recalled list of products due to asbestos related risks. In total, 127 toy items and play items have now been recalled since January 2026. Several major retailers including Tesco, Matalan, Asda, Hobbycraft, B&M, Argos, and Aldi have been involved in product recalls from August 2023 through to May 2026.

Asbestos in consumer products – GOV.UK

Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls – GOV.UK

In December 2025, urgent recalls were issued in Australia & New Zealand after tremolite, and chrysotile asbestos contamination had been found in toys imported from China. The affected products were sensory play sand, craft sand and kinetic sand. In 2026 in the UK and other European countries product recalls included colored sand, sand pictures, sand playsets products, and stretchy figurines.

The CWU understands that the UK’s Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) have little or no testing capacity – recalls are based on self-reports from importing companies or manufacturers. There is currently no publicly available information about the percentage level of contamination in the products recalled in the UK. 

The latest ‘multiple items’ OPSS recall from 7^th May includes Novelty Doorstops

The latest OPSS product safety recall alert issued on the 7^th of May indicated a list of thirty-five products presenting a risk to health, as the sand inside the doorstops may be contaminated with a quantity of asbestos. Corrective action being, that these products have now been withdrawn from the market and recalled from end users by Dunelm. Even though this latest recall is classified as ‘Decorative articles/Homeware/Garden ware – Ornaments’ it has been noted that some of these items clearly do resemble toys in appearance and may attract child play activity.

The latest product recall sheet is attached with images alongside this LTB, with the aim being to assist CWU members in familiarising themselves with the latest recalled items. There are five other OPSS recalls for this month alone just for toy products.

CWU guidance going forward.

• It is advisable to check purchased items for CE/UKCA marking, manufacturer details and safety information.
• Be cautious of products with no traceability.
• Buy from reputable suppliers.
• Choose suppliers with clear safety information, established quality assurance processes, and transparent sourcing.
• Familiarise yourself with the latest OPSS product safety alerts (website link above)

If you have concerns about a product that you think might contain asbestos but has not been recalled:

In England and Wales: contact the Citizens Advice consumer service.

In Scotland:                  contact the Advice Direct Scotland consumer helpline.

In Northern Ireland:     Contact Us | Advice NI

Guidance on how situations should be managed is available here; GOV.UK.

OPSS also provides information on testing for asbestos in sand

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 168/26 – ASBESTOS RISKS- UK RECALLED PRODUCTS JUNE 2026

Att: OPSS 2603-0019-product-recall-dunelm-novelty-doorstops

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World Environment Day 5^th June 2026

World Environment Day 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, 5 June, focusing on climate action under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”

World Environment Day, established by the United Nations, is observed annually on 5 June to raise global awareness about environmental issues and encourage proactive steps toward conservation and sustainability. It serves as a platform for individuals, communities, and organisations to take responsibility for protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices.

Theme and focus for 2026

The 2026 theme emphasizes urgent climate action, highlighting the interconnected crises of climate change and ecosystem degradation. The campaign encourages global citizens to rethink economic systems, reduce carbon emissions, and restore the balance between humans and nature. The slogan for the year is “Climate Crisis and Solutions”, reflecting the need for both awareness and actionable solutions.

How to Participate

Individuals and communities can engage in World Environment Day 2026 by:

• Organising or joining local environmental initiatives, such as clean-ups, tree planting, or educational seminars.
• Adopting sustainable practices like reducing waste, conserving water and energy, and choosing eco-friendly products.
• Supporting sustainable food choices, including locally sourced and organic options.
• Raising awareness through social media campaigns, discussions, and community outreach.

World Environment Day 2026 is a global call to action, uniting people worldwide to protect the environment, mitigate climate change, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

For more information, support and ways to get involved, visit the World Environment Day website at:  2026 Theme and Host

Round Our Way Media Organisation – sharing your stories

Round our way is a media that looks to share stories about the impact climate change has on our communities and the people working in those communities Round Our Way.  They look for new and innovative ways to raise awareness on climate change impacts across the UK using solidly data-led stories on workplace heat. For example, Climate change doubles the number of pregnancy heat-risk days in the UKClimate change doubles the number of pregnancy heat-risk days in the UK | Round Our Way

New Climate Change Committee Report

The Climate Change Committee has just published a new report about the consequences of a 2% rise in global temperatures and what the UK needs to do about it. The Climate Change Committee, which reports to UK government on adapting to climate change, was established under the Climate Change Act of 2008. The report cites that on the current climate impact trajectory by 2050, 92% of homes are likely to overheat, peak river flows will be up to 45% higher, and water supply shortfalls could exceed five billion litres per day.  It points out that the cost of doing nothing is far greater than acting now, and it proposes investment of around £11 billion a year, split evenly between public and private funding.  British way of life under threat from heat, flooding and drought – Climate Change Committee.

TUC Climate action week event

As part of the Year of Trade Union Climate Action and London Climate Action Week, the TUC are holding a one-day conference at Congress House, 09:30-17:00 on the 26th of June.

This event will examine-

• Why climate action faces an existential threat.
• Why support for climate action is falling.
• How trade unions can help change the current direction of travel.
• Why a climate-safe future must protect workers with good jobs at its heart.
• Why does climate transition need to be anchored in people’s lives.

Find out more and sign-up click on the link below

On Fire and Under Fire: Climate, backlash, and winning with working class communities – Home

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 167/26 – World Environment Day 5th June 2026

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