Royal Mail Group Dispute – Voluntary Redundancy Taken Before 2^nd March 2023

Branches and Representatives will be aware of the re-ballot timetable for the International Distributions Services (previously Royal Mail Group) dispute for all CWU represented grades in Royal Mail Group.

Due to the unilateral decision by RMG to instigate an unagreed preference exercise seeking applicants for Voluntary Redundancy (VR) which closed on 27^th November 2022, there may be members who, having been offered and accepted a VR package, will be leaving Royal Mail Group employment before the earliest possible date for taking strike action (2^nd March 2023).

The Union has tried to obtain information from RMG about those that have accepted VR, more detailed information as to RMG’s plans regarding VR and any changes since their original announcement about this. RMG has failed to provide this information.

Due to RMG not providing the Union with sufficient information, we have to send this LTB as some members unknown to us may have accepted offers of VR and will receive a ballot paper despite their employment with RMG ceasing prior to when strike action could first be held (2^nd March 2023).

This LTB is therefore to inform members of the following legal advice: 

Where members have accepted VR and will be leaving RMG employment before 2^nd March 2023THEY SHOULD NOT VOTE in the re-ballot.

All Branches are instructed to ensure this LTB receives the widest possible circulation.

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

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary        

Andy Furey
Acting Deputy General Secretary (P)

LTB 019/23 – Royal Mail Group Dispute – Voluntary Redundancy Taken Before 2nd March 2023

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CWU NATIONAL WELFARE FUND

Please find below the branch breakdown of CWU National Welfare Fund donations that were made in 2022.BRANCHREASON

AMOUNTBournemouth & Dorset AmalDomestic£1,000Bournemouth & Dorset AmalDomestic£1,000Bristol & DistrictIllness£1,000Bristol & DistrictIllness£500Croydon & Sutton AmalIllness£500East London PostalDomestic£750Edinburgh, Dundee & BordersIllness£1,000Edinburgh, Dundee & BordersDomestic£250Edinburgh, Dundee & BordersDomestic£300Grampian & ShetlandIllness£750Greater Mersey AmalDomestic£300Harrow & DistrictIllness£500Lincolnshire & South YorksBereavement£1,000Northern Ireland CombinedDomestic£1,000Northern Ireland CombinedDomestic£500Northern Ireland CombinedDomestic£1,000Northern Ireland TelecomDomestic£100Northern Ireland TelecomDomestic£500Northern Ireland TelecomDomestic£200Northern Ireland TelecomDomestic£150Northern Ireland TelecomDomestic£105Northern Ireland TelecomDomestic£300Northern Ireland TelecomDomestic£200Preston Brook & Bury RetailIllness£500Preston Brook & Bury RetailIllness£1,000Scotland No. 1Domestic£500Shropshire & Mid WalesDomestic£300Shropshire & Mid WalesDomestic£400South Central PostalIllness£1,000South Central PostalDomestic£600South Central PostalIllness£1,000South East AngliaDomestic£500South East London Postal & CountersIllness£245South WalesIllness£500South WalesDomestic£500South WalesDomestic£350South WalesDomestic£200South WalesDomestic£300Total    £20,800

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237 or email address sdgs@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

23LTB018

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ROYAL MAIL GROUP DISPUTES – UNAGREED OPG CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT

We have obtained a copy of a temporary contract of employment issued to an OPG for the period from 28^th December 2022 to 24^th March 2023.

Branches and Representatives will be aware that, in the past, when Royal Mail has wanted to change particular aspects of the contract of employment, input has been sought from the Union, with the aim of reaching an agreement.

A comprehensive comparison has been made between the clauses in the previously agreed OPG contract, against those in the attached, and a number of major unagreed changes have been identified and unilaterally implemented.

It is evident that some of the alterations made relate directly to areas of the current dispute, which is more evidence of the need to vote YES in the re-ballot.  Moreover, these unagreed amendments clearly have significant ongoing implications and cannot be left unchallenged.

As a result, the attached correspondence has been sent to Zareena Brown, RMG Chief People Officer containing a firm request, seeking to open up dialogue on the changes to the contract.

If Branches are aware of any other variations of new contracts which differ to the one attached, they are urged to send these to fkelk@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward                                  Andy Furey
General Secretary                   Acting Deputy General Secretary (P)

LTB 017 – enclosure New Contracts of employment LTB 017 -18.1.23 – RMG DISPUTES – UNAGREED OPG CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT LTB017 – Letter to Zareena Brown – Unagreed Introduction of New Contracts of Employment (OPG) for CWU Represented Grades

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DEFERMENT OF GENERAL, RULES AND INDUSTRIAL CONFERENCES 2023

At an Emergency NEC meeting held today, Tuesday the 17^th January 2023, the NEC have unanimously taken the decision to defer the above conferences until later in the year.

Conferences were due to take place Sunday 23^rd to Thursday 27^th April 2023as notified in LTB 326/2022, the conference will now take place Sunday 1^stto Thursday 5^th October 2023.  To be clear the Conference is being deferred and not cancelled.

There are a number of reasons for the NEC arriving at this decision.  As Branches will be aware the situation around our dispute with Royal Mail Group (RMG) is at a very crucial stage.  We have now served notice on RMG to ballot again on the issues in dispute, the ballot will open next Monday 23^rd January.

At this point in time it is essential that our messaging is that everything (and we mean everything) that Postal Branches need to do to produce both a high turnout and yes vote in this ballot is essential. This means devoting every resource and every amount of possible time to achieving these aims.

Arising out of this ballot and the ongoing negotiations are two possible scenarios. Either we reach an agreement or we don’t.  If we don’t then at the time the conference is currently scheduled, we will be heavily involved in large scale and widespread industrial action that will be crucial to achieving a successful outcome to the dispute.

Should negotiations continue and we reach an agreement there will be a need for urgent consultation, meeting and general discussion with Branches around any potential outcome and the deployment of such. Again there is no timescale for this as there is currently no agreement, but either way Postal Branches will be required to concentrate all efforts on the ballot and the outcomes, whatever they may be.

In short, important as Annual Conference is, it is not and cannot be considered more important than what is in reality, a fight for our members’ futures in Royal Mail.

In addition to the position set out above there is the question of the closing date for motions to General, Rules and Postal Industrial Conference.  Respectively these are 9^th, 2^nd and 23^rd February 2023.

For the NEC there is a linked issue. The closing dates set out above means that any motions and/or rule changes that the NEC needs to submit to conferences would need to go before the NEC scheduled for the 25^th/26^th January.  Given the involvement of the GS and other Senior Officers and Staff, as well as the PEC there is simply no time between now and then to discuss and present NEC motions and/or rule changes by that date.

Branches will be aware that there are a number of outstanding issues arising out of Redesign that the union needs to deal with in order to ensure we build a union fit for purpose in the future. This means developing a number of proposals around structures and subsequent discussions with Branches and Reps on these issues.

The same issue applies to the PEC, who would have to meet prior to the closing date to submit motions at a time when the industrial dispute with the employer remains unresolved and Officers and PE members are devoting all their time to dealing with this issue.

The deferring of Conference to later in the year allows us time to have the discussions required around those issues, consult widely within the union and place rule changes before conference 1^st – 5^thOctober. Clearly, with the ongoing dispute we are simply not in a position to do this and thus the deferment makes sense not just for the industrial reasons as set out above, but also for structural reasons regarding the future of the CWU.

The NEC understands that deferring these conferences may have some impact upon hotel bookings already made. However, the agreed new date for the Conference (01.10.23 – 05.10.23) is a time when Bournemouth hotels are operating out of season.  Most hotels should not have major issues with transferring bookings until the later date.  We will of course engage and discuss with any Branch that has difficulty in this area.

The NEC also understands that part of the focus of this debate is around industrial issues in the Postal constituency. The NEC are aware that there are a number of equally important issues being dealt with within the TFS constituency.  The TFSE are clear that, if required, a Policy Forum to discuss and debate matters with Branches will be utilised at the appropriate time.

The decision taken by the NEC is not taken lightly, however, as set out above, given both the industrial issues we face with a major employer, the demands on time and the need for the union to consider further restructuring issues the decision is taken in the best interests of the CWU both in the immediate and longer term.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237, or email address sdgs@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,Dave WardTony KearnsGeneral SecretarySenior Deputy General Secretary

23LTB016

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• Subject: Royal Mail and the Post Office
• Witness(es): Dave Ward, General Secretary, Communication Workers Union; Andy Furey, Assistant Secretary, Communication Workers Union
• Witness(es): Simon Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Mail
• Witness(es): Nick Read, Chief Executive, Post Office Ltd

2022/2023 DISPUTE RELATING TO INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTIONS SERVICES (PREVIOUSLY ROYAL MAIL GROUP) FOR ALL CWU REPRESENTED GRADES IN ROYAL MAIL GROUP (INCLUDING PARCELFORCE AND FLEET). PAY, UNAGREED CHANGE, JOB SECURITY, DISCIPLINING CWU REPS, ACTIVISTS AND MEMBERS. BREAKING AND TERMINATING VARIOUS COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS AND PROTECTIONS

Further to the information provided at the National Briefing on Tuesday 10^thJanuary, we have today served notice on Royal Mail Group for a re-ballot of our members on pay, change and associated matters.  The ballot timetable is as follows:

Ballot papers despatched:                       Monday 23^rd January 2023

Ballot closes and result declared:            Thursday 16^thFebruary 2023

Branches and members will be aware that the re-ballot incorporates both pay and change.  The exact wording on the ballot paper is reflected in the title of this LTB.

Branches are urged to bring this LTB to the immediate attention of all members and to hold members’ meetings at the earliest opportunity and throughout the ballot period.  Monday 23^rd January will be National Gate Meeting Day and we are asking Branches to cover as many units as possible on this day.  As highlighted in LTB 011/23, requests can be made if the assistance of a National Officer or Postal Executive member is required at these meetings by contacting Fiona Kelk – fkelk@cwu.org.

It is vital we secure an excellent YESvote in this ballot, with a huge turnout, and our thanks go to Branches and Representatives for all of your efforts in this regard.

LTB 015/23

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TUC WOMENS CONFERENCE VISITORS – 8^TH – 10^TH MARCH 2023

The TUC Women’s Conference 2023 is being held from Wednesday 8^th – Friday 10^th March 2023 at the TUC, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS.  The Conference sessions will be as follows:

Wednesday 8^th March          14.00 – 17.30

Thursday 9^th March             09.30 – 17.30

Friday 10^th March               09.15 – 13.00

The CWU are allowed a limited number of visitors to attend the above Conference and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.  Due to the need for extra security at all TUC Conferences, names and addresses of those wanting visitor tickets must be supplied and tickets are not transferable.

Anyone interested in attending will need to contact their Branch initially for funding, to include a £15 visitor ticket fee. The easiest way to pay the £15 fee will be for us to transfer it directly from your Branch’s account through the rebate system, therefore please contact Angela Niven on conferences@cwu.org  with details of which Branch the individual belongs to on application.  Alternatively you can send a cheque (made payable to ‘CWU’) addressed to Angela Niven at CWU HQ with a covering letter.  Please note that places will not be reserved until the £15 fee is received.

Please let me know if you would like to attend the Conference as a visitor by no later than midday on Friday 3^rd March 2023.

Any further enquiries with regards this please contact conferences@cwu.org or Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256.

Dave Ward
General Secretary

23LTB014 – TUC Womens Conference Visitors – 8th-10th March 2023

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Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 002 – Fan Heater Fire:

Background and Description: 

Royal Mail Group’s Safety Team have issued RMG SHE Safety Flash FY23 002 following a fan heater and extension lead fire incident in a delivery unit manager’s office which caused significant damage.

A manager arrived, switched on a fan heater in his office after arriving at work and spent the morning moving between the manager’s office and the operational floor. Approximately two hours later staff saw that an electrical fire had developed within the office. The fire was subsequently found to have started from an extension lead connected to the small portable fan heater. The extension lead melted and the fire caused considerable damage to the walls, desk and electrical equipment in the office. (See Photos in attached SHE Safety Flash).

Impact/Injuries: 

• Considerable fire and smoke damage to property; walls, desk, electrical equipment etc.
• The fire was contained within the one office room.
• No workforce injuries.

Key Messages, Learning Points and Actions: 

• Only officially supplied and provided heaters and power supply extension leads to be used on RMG premises.
• Switch off all portable heaters when not in the room being heated.
• All portable appliances and power supply leads to be PAT tested – this is ‘mandatory’.
• Ensure portable heaters are not in close proximity to other objects and leads are not in contact with heaters or hot surfaces.
• Ensure fire doors are kept closed. This compartmentalises the building and stops any fires from spreading quickly to other areas.
• If areas or rooms are cold and not at a reasonable temperature, then a request should be logged with NSC helpdesk to ensure sufficient heating is provided.
• Oil filled convector type heaters should be used in preference to portable ‘fan’ heaters.
• All faults to be promptly reported to NSC helpdesk and faulty equipment should be removed from use.

PiCs Actions:

• PiCs to brief all staff on this SHE Flash and deploy the above Key Messages, Learning Points and Actions:

CWU ASR/WSR Action:

• Please ensure that this Safety Flash is communicated and brought to the attention of all appropriate members and that actions above are deployed.

Attachment: 

• Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 002 – Fan Heater Fire

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB013Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 002 – Fan Heater Fire

SHE Flash FY23 002 – Fan Heater Fire

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Flooding – Advice To Health &Safety Representatives & Branches – ‘What To Do And How To Stay Safe In A Flood & After A Flood’

Further to previously circulated LTBs and guidance issued to Branches and Regions, the Health, Safety & Environment Department is issuing the following advice for Health and Safety Representatives in Flood affected areas following the latest round of warnings issued by the Met Office and government agencies.

Flooding is expected to impact large parts of the country as rain continues to persist with the Environment Agency having issued more than 100 flood alerts and warnings earlier this week. The Met Office has this morning issued a further updated list of 171 flood alerts and 82 flood warnings throughout the country amid high risk of heavy rain and storms bringing disruption. The warning for today reads: “Heavy rain bringing the chance of some flooding and disruption.” It also says that transport services and roads are likely to be disrupted alongside disruption to power supplies and other supplies.

The Met Office has given this a yellow warning, which can be issued for a range of weather situations when it is likely that the weather will cause some high level impacts, including some disruption. Areas affected include the Midlands, North East, North West, South West and Wales.

The weather warning reads: “Outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, will move in from the southwest on Friday evening then persist overnight into Saturday. 20 to 30 mm of rain is likely quite widely with 40 to 50 mm in some places. With conditions already very wet this is likely to cause some flooding. The rain will also be accompanied by strong winds, with gusts of 40-50 mph and possibly 60 mph on some exposed coastal areas. The rain and strong winds will clear eastwards later on Saturday.”

The long range weather forecast for the UK is that the unsettled conditions are most likely to continue with further spells of strong winds and heavy rain for all areas. Temperatures generally mild, although some colder interludes are likely, bringing wintry conditions at times.

The following advice and guidance has been compiled in conjunction with the Government’s Environment Agency (who have issued further flood warnings across many parts of Britain) and the UK Fire and Rescue Service (in respect of what to do prior to re-occupation of premises after flood and storm damage):

Before and during Floods – the Workplace – Commercial Premises and Vehicles:

• Be pro-active if you are in a flood affected area or one in which a ‘Flood Warning’ has been issued and be prepared. The better prepared you are, the better you’ll cope with the effects of flooding. Don’t underestimate the damage a flood can do and don’t wait for floods to happen. Flooding can occur very quickly and if you aren’t prepared now, you may not have time to get ready once the flooding starts.
• Listen out for local news reports, updates and warnings on radio and TV.
• Check weather reports for your area.
• Bear in mind the areas where the Environment Agency has issued ‘Severe Flood Warnings’ or ‘Flood Warnings’ (See Flood Warning Codes below).
• Ensure that the Environment Agency, Local Authority and Emergency Services advice is followed by members.
• Phone the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for more information.
• Remain aware of the Environment Agency’s ‘Flooding updates’ (see below) and identify high risk areas and safety concerns.
• Try to work jointly with local management. Initiate discussions with the management person in control regarding the employer’s ‘Major Incident Plan’ ensuring it’s fit for purpose and that as a CWU Safety Rep, you are consulted and involved in the decision making process in line with your entitlement under the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations.
• Jointly with local management liaise with emergency ‘Blue-Light’ services and local authorities as the workplace may be evacuated in the event of a flood.
• Ensure members are jointly briefed and receive sufficient information and instructions.
• Be ready to turn off gas and electricity (get help if needed).  Unplug electrical items and move them upstairs if possible.
• If floods occur then the bottom line is that under no circumstances should members’ safety be jeopardised. Advise members that floods can kill and that they should remember that several people have lost their lives during past UK floods.
• Stay out of flood waters they are unsafe!  Advise members not to try to walk, wade or swim through floodwater – If on foot you can easily lose your footing and six inches of fast flowing water can knock a person over. Manhole covers may have come off in flood water and there may be other hazards you can’t see beneath the floodwater surface. People should also never try to swim through fast flowing water – they may get swept away or be struck by an object in the water.
• Members should never try to drive through floodwater – two feet of water will float a car or van away – even if you are in a large goods vehicle it can still be swept away.  Avoid contact with floodwater – it may be contaminated with sewage.
• Once flooding occurs, don’t travel unless you have to.

After the Floods – Flood Recovery Information – Workplaces and Commercial Premises

• Prior to re-occupation of workplace premises that have been flooded ensure they are jointly inspected. A risk assessment must be undertaken to ensure the safety of all employees in the workplace.
• The premises will need to be dried out and thoroughly cleaned up. Flood waters damage materials, leave mud, silt, contamination from sewage, other unknown contaminants and promote the growth of mildew. The walls, floors, shelves, contents and any other flooded parts of the building should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and made safe in all respects to reduce these hazards and the damage they cause.
• If the premises have been flooded or water damaged, the electrical and gas installations should be checked by a competent person prior to reconnection.
• Any electrical plant, machinery equipment which has been affected should not be used unless checked and verified safe by a competent person.
• If the heating system for the premises is affected it should be checked by a competent person before being brought back into use.
• If portable temporary heaters, space heaters etc., are to be used to heat and dry out the premises, ensure that they are positioned in well ventilated areas away from combustible materials and positioned as to not endanger staff.
• The premises fire safety systems such as fire alarms, sprinklers or emergency lighting systems etc., should be checked and tested by a competent engineer prior to the occupation of the premises.
• Any hazardous materials or substances on the premises which have been affected by water, should be quarantined and specialist advice obtained prior to disposal.
• Ensure that premises security has not been compromised.
• Damaged goods and equipment etc., should be removed and stored away from any building in a secure place or in a secured skip.
• Check all fire exits and escape routes to ensure that they can be used prior to occupation.
• If the premises have structural damage which may be a danger as a result of flooding or storm damage, the Local Authority should be contacted prior to occupation.
• If you have any fire safety concerns, contact the local Fire Safety Department.
• If you have any unresolved health and safety concerns, contact the Local Authority Environmental Health Department or HSE depending on the appropriate enforcing authority.

Before And During Floods – In The Home Members Should:

• Members should be made aware that there are 1.5 million properties at risk of flooding in England and Wales. One of them could be theirs!
• Do what you can now to prepare for a flood. Don’t wait for the flood to happen. Floods can occur very quickly. If you aren’t prepared now, you may not have time to get ready once the flooding starts. The better prepared you are, the better you’ll cope with the effects of flooding.
• Don’t underestimate the damage a flood can do – Check you have adequate flood cover on your home insurance. A recent Association of British Insurers (ABI) survey found that more than a quarter of UK people did not have sufficient home insurance cover to mitigate against losses caused by flooding!
• Don’t assume everyone knows what to do. Make a family flood plan and practice it. Do any neighbours need any help during a flood? – Get organised.
• Listen to local radio and TV for announcements. Check with Floodline on 0345 988 1188whether there are specific flood warning arrangements for your area. Keep watching and listening. Stay alert; events can change very quickly during a flood. Keep an eye on the weather and listen out for warnings on the radio and TV.
• Keep a list of useful phone numbers somewhere you’ll remember, e.g., your local council, the emergency services, your insurance company and the Environment Agency’s Floodline number 0345 988 1188.
• Make a flood kit. Keep a torch, batteries, radio, and necessary medication, emergency numbers, rubber gloves and your insurance policy in a safe place, upstairs if possible.
• Move pets, vehicles, valuables and other items to safety. Move upstairs onto higher ground.
• Know how and where to turn off your gas and electricity supplies. If you’re not sure, check with the Gas and Electricity companies. Mark the tap or switch with a sticker to help you remember.
• Get some sandbags (to block doors and airbricks but remember to ensure that there is adequate ventilation). Put sandbags or flood boards in place – but make sure your property is ventilated. Plug sinks/baths and put a sandbag in the toilet bowl to prevent backflow. Check in Yellow Pages under Builders Merchants for local suppliers or ask your local authority for advice. You can also make them yourself using old pillow cases or carrier bags and fill them with sand or earth.
• Do as much as you can in daylight. Doing anything in the dark will be a lot harder, especially if the electricity fails.
• If the flooding is serious the emergency services and your Local Authority may decide to evacuate you. Do exactly what they tell you. Remember to take supplies such as medication with you; you may be way from your home for a while.
• Don’t drive through floodwater, your car may be swept away. Don’t walk in floodwater, it can easily knock you off your feet. The water could have open manholes, road works or objects and you won’t be able to see them.
• Don’t walk on sea defences, riverbanks or cross river bridges if possible – they may collapse in extreme situations or you may be swept off by large waves. Beware of stones and pebbles being thrown up by waves.
• Members should check on elderly relatives and neighbours to see if they are ok.

After The Floods – In The Home Members Should Be Advised:

• Protect yourself and your family from stress, fatigue and health hazards that follow a flood.
• Once it’s safe to go back in, protect your home and contents from further damage.
• Some things are not worth repairing and some things may be too complicated or expensive to do by yourself – make the most of your time and money.
• Dry out your home – Flood waters damage materials, leave mud, silt and unknown contaminants and promote the growth of mildew. You need to dry your home to reduce these hazards and the damage they cause.
• Open doors and windows to ventilate the home. It takes a brick about a month to dry out, so take care to ensure your house is secure. Remember to unblock airbricks and doorways.
• Do watch out for any broken glass or nails while you’re cleaning up.
• Wash taps and run them for a few minutes before use. Main tap water should not be contaminated but check with your local water company if you’re concerned.
• Clean up – The walls, floors, shelves, contents and any flooded parts of your home should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
• Don’t touch items that have been in contact with the water. Flood water is likely to be contaminated and could contain sewage. Disinfect and clean thoroughly everything that is wet.
• If the premises have been flooded, don’t turn any electrical items back on. Any domestic appliances or equipment i.e., cookers, televisions, VCR’s, washing machines etc., which have been affected by water should not be used. Make sure they’ve dried out first. The electrical/gas installations should be checked by a competent person prior to reconnection. Contact the gas, electricity and water companies to get supplies checked before you turn them back on.
• Heating systems i.e., gas boilers, oil boilers, storage heaters etc. which have been affected by water should not be used unless checked by a competent person;
• Be vigilant where damaged household contents are left outside the property, including damaged vehicles which may be subject to theft or arson.
• If your premises are unoccupied, make sure that they are secure.
• If you are re-occupying the premises, ensure that your smoke alarms are working to ensure your safety.
• If you are using portable heaters take appropriate precautions in the use and siting of these appliances and to ensure the safety of your family.  Portable heaters using gas, oil or paraffin etc., should have adequate ventilation;
• If your premises has structural damage which may be a result of flooding or storm damage, you should contact the Local Authority prior to occupation.
• Prepare for the next flood – Protect yourself from the next flood – as mentioned above, make a family flood plan to avoid or minimise further damage. Don’t think it can’t happen again. Restock your supplies.
• Report the matter to your insurance company promptly – they’ll need to get moving quickly.
• Check in the Yellow Pages under Flood Damage for suppliers of cleaning materials or equipment to dry out your property.
• Don’t trust bogus traders. With so much damage to repair, it’s tempting to take the first offer that comes along. Always check references and, if possible, get recommendations.

Flood Warning Codes:

The flood warning code system consists of the following:

• Flood Alert – Flooding is possible. Be prepared.
• Flood Warning – Flooding of homes and businesses is expected. Immediate action is required. Act now!
• Severe Flood Warning – Severe flooding is expected with danger to life and property. Act now!
• All Clear/Warning No Longer in Force – No further flooding is expected for this area.

Flood Warning Update Information:

To access the up to date information, check the status of your area and to see the flood warnings currently in force in your region, go to the following ‘Flooding update Websites’ at the following websites of government agencies who constantly monitor rainfall, river levels and sea conditions to forecast the possibility of flooding. Flood Alerts, Warnings and Severe Warning Lists are constantly updated. The Links are as follows:

• England – Environment Agency (EA)
• https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency
• Scotland – Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)  
• https://www.sepa.org.uk/
• Wales – Natural Resources Wales (NRW)
• https://naturalresources.wales/splash?orig=%2f&lang=cy
• Northern Ireland – NI Direct 
• https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/check-risk-flooding-your-area

Further Flood Warning Websites:

• Met Office Flood warnings guide Website – https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/guides/flood-warnings
• BBC Flood Warnings – https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/warnings/floods
• UK Flood Alerts and Warning Website – https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/alerts-and-warnings

UK National Floodline Number – 0345 988 1188

Attachments:

• Environment Agency Guide – Preparing for a Flood
• Environment Agency Guide – During a Flood
• Environment Agency Guide – After a Flood

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 012/23 Flooding – Advice To Health & Safety Representatives & Branches – ‘What To Do And How To Stay Safe In A Flood & After A Flood’

Att: 1

Att: 2

Att: 3

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