POST OFFICE: HORIZON – BEIS SELECT COMMITTEE INTERIM REPORT & EDM 822

Branches will recall the BEIS Select Committee launched an inquiry into Post Office and the Horizon system in March 2020 which was described as examining “…the impact on sub-postmasters, its effect on the future viability of the Post Office, and examine the lessons the Government and Post Office Ltd have learned from a scandal.”  We submitted both written and oral evidence to the inquiry; however, the second session of the inquiry scheduled for 26^thMarch 2020, which was which was due to hear evidence from Paula Vennells, former CEO, Nick Read, current CEO, Fujitsu, the Minister and BEIS and UKGI officials was postponed due to Covid-19.  The Committee continued to receive written evidence.

Following the Government announcement of the independent Horizon review led by Sir Wyn Williams in June 2020 which was subsequently declared a statutory inquiry, the BEIS Select Committee made the decision to pause their oral evidence sessions until after the review to “avoid creating conflicts between parliamentary and legal processes”.  In the meantime, the Select Committee felt a very pressing issue was compensation for Postmasters and in particular the 555 who brought the Group Litigation against Post Office and won in December 2019.  It has been well publicised that the Group litigants eventually settled for £57.75m; however, after taking into account legal costs of £46m, they only received on average around £20k each, which of course completely dwarfs their average losses which are estimated to be more than £100k each.

With this unfairness in mind, the Committee took oral evidence on the matter of compensation via sessions on 14^th December 2021 and 11^th January 2022.  Whilst on this occasion we didn’t participate in the oral hearings, we nonetheless made a comprehensive written submission.

Accordingly, we are pleased that the BEIS Select Committee has today published an ”interim” written report on the issue of compensation.  This contains 29 powerful conclusions/recommendations, the most critical of which is the following, which is a “demand” rather than a recommendation:

“We demand that the Government as a matter of urgency commit to ensuring that the 555 are fully compensated for all of their losses on the same basis as other victims of this scandal receiving compensation.”

The full report can be downloaded via the following link:

https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/8879/documents/95841/default/

In the circumstances, we naturally welcome the BEIS Select Committee’s interim report and urge the Government to fully and fairly compensate the 555 former Postmasters who suffered so terribly at the hands of Post Office.  We will obviously be keeping a close eye on further developments including any responses from both Government and Post Office.

EDM 882 – Post Office Horizon compensation scheme

On the same theme, the following EDM was tabled by Kate Osborne, Labour MP for Jarrow, on 6^th January 2022 and has already gained 116 signatories from across all the major parties.

That this House believes that the 555 litigants, who won civil proceedings against Post Office Ltd in 2018-19, should not be excluded from the Post Office Horizon compensation scheme; that the exclusion of these litigants from the compensation scheme is having and will continue to have a direct and devastating impact on these individuals and their families, especially as they exposed the scandal against all odds and have been left with the legal bill for doing so; resolves that all those affected by this scandal, including the 555 litigants, must receive compensation that is commensurate with the suffering they have faced; and strongly urges the Government to put in place an external compensation scheme that is outside the scope of the Post Office and provide this group with the redress they not only deserve but are entitled to.

Branches can view the current signatories via the following link and are urged to contact their local MPs to encourage them to sign this important EDM if they have not already done so:

https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/59315

Sir Wyn Williams Inquiry – Evidence Sessions Began 14^thFebruary

Last but not least, Sir Wyn Williams’ Horizon Inquiry has commenced its oral evidence sessions this week in relation to the “Human Impact” of the Horizon scandal and we have heard some harrowing stories from former Postmasters who were so badly treated by Post Office.  The CWU will be giving evidence to the inquiry at a date to be confirmed.

As a consequence of these developments and activities, the Horizon scandal has received significant media attention over the past few days including the following articles:

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/feb/14/i-knew-something-was-wrong-first-witness-in-post-office-hearing-breaks-down

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60402961

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60375978

https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252513159/Post-Office-scandal-victims-to-tell-their-stories-in-public

It can only be hoped that with all the political scrutiny, along with the judicial inquiry, that the many hundreds of victims of Horizon will see justice done after so many years of campaigning and seeking to expose those responsible who must be held to account.

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

22LTB075 Post Office – Horizon – BEIS Select Committee Interim Report & EDM 822

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Royal Mail Group – ‘Let’s Talk Menopause’ Campaign – Launch of Enhanced Menopause Support Package For Women – Today 17 February 2022

Royal Mail Group currently has around 16,500 women employees who are likely to be experiencing menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms – so as one of the UK’s largest employers – it matters to them!  Following discussions with the Royal Mail Group’s Head of Health and Wellbeing, we very much welcome and support the commitment of the business, through the new ‘Let’s Talk Menopause’ campaign, to significantly enhance the support afforded to women employees experiencing and indeed suffering menopausal symptoms.

Royal Mail stated in launching the new campaign that “Most women will come up against menopausal symptoms, but that’s not to assume every person’s experience will be the same. We want our people in Royal Mail Group to feel they can have the conversation and seek the support they need however the menopause is impacting them. We don’t want any woman in our business to feel that they’re unable to do their job or progress their career – we want everyone to feel at their very best.”

‘Wellbeing Of Women Workplace Pledge’ – Supporting Staff Through Menopause

Almost 900,000 women in the UK have quit their jobs due to the menopause. By signing up to the ‘Wellbeing For Women Menopause Workplace Pledge’ Royal Mail Group commits to making a difference and making the organisation a supportive and understanding place for employees going through the menopause. If people affected by menopause feel supported at work, it can help to increase staff retention, reduce recruitment costs, improve productivity, happiness and wellbeing, and ensure a more diverse workforce. In signing the Menopause Workplace Pledge, Royal Mail Group commits to:

• Recognising that the menopause can be an issue in the workplace and women need support
• Talking openly, positively and respectfully about the menopause
• Actively supporting and informing employees affected by the menopause

Royal Mail Group (RMG) has signed the workplace pledge to strengthen the company’s commitment to a step change in menopause support.

Website:

https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/campaigns/menopausepledge/sign

Dedicated RMG Intranet ‘Workplace Group’ 

Through the RMG ‘Let’s Talk Menopause campaign’, RMG aim to get the conversation going, raise awareness, encourage shared experiences, normalise menopause conversations and make a difference. The new RMG ‘Let’s Talk Menopause’ – ‘Workplace Group’ is now available to enable anyone affected by menopause to network with each other. RMG will set out the enhanced support available and will be making it clearer for employees to know how to access it. Over the coming months, there will be information on the below;

New Enhanced RMG Menopause Support

• ‘Meno-Mates’ local volunteers– Will help to raise awareness, listen and signpost their colleagues to available support while normalising menopause conversations. Information will be made available on how people can become a volunteer
• Menopause guidance – Which outlines the symptoms that some women suffer when going through the menopause, how these symptoms can affect them at work, and provide practical advice and guidance.
• First Class Support Menopause Toolkit – Confidential and available 24/7for employees seeking assistance, referrals, including direct access to counselling, support, managerial support, advice and guidance, conversations, articles, programmes, signposting, physical help, reasonable adjustments, modified duties, flexible working, quiet space etc., and a comprehensive new menopause toolkit.
• Menopause awareness eLearning – Training for managers, ‘Meno-Mates’ and CWU Reps will be available from 21 March or earlier.
• Other support available – Will be detailed – for example, RMG’s new partnership with the menopause organisation ‘GenM’ offering access to resources. Also ‘Henpicked’ and the ‘Daisy Network’. Details of these organisations below.

‘GenM’

‘GenM’ say that we ‘need to talk’ more openly about menopause and need to stop teaching women to make do and mend in this period in their lives. ‘GenM’ have published a report – The ‘GenM’ Menopause Invisibility Report’ (copy attached) which revealed the distinct lack of education and support for people going through the menopause. ‘GenM’ called upon companies and employers to open up the conversation and help normalize menopause for future generations. Royal Mail Group has signed up to that agenda.

‘GenM’ is seeking to make menopause a more positive experience for everyone. According to ‘GenM’ women going through the menopause often feel “alone and invisible” due to a lack of knowledge, as well as the lack of choices offered to them by employers. According to ‘GenM’s’ Invisibility Report, which was published last year, 87% of menopausal people feel overlooked by society and by employers. 97% feel employers should cater more to the needs and wants of menopausal people; and 91% have never seen specific advertising or marketing for menopausal products.

There are 15.5 million perimenopausal and menopausal people throughout the UK, and it’s abundantly clear that they are underserved, and deserve much better state ‘GenM’.

‘GenM’ has previously worked hard to improve the treatment of menopausal people in the workplace through its ‘Choose to Challenge campaign’. ‘GenM’ say that menopause is not just a workplace issue, but a societal one.

‘GenM’ state that there are 48 symptoms of menopause, yet most women can only name between three and five. So if women don’t even know the symptoms of their own menopause, how can we expect men to? How can we expect employers and organisations to? They want ‘brands’ to create products that cater to them, and market those products accordingly so that women know what is available to them?

‘GenM’ want major brands to cater to their menopausal customers and to normalise the conversation around menopause, as well as create and market products that will cater to the needs of menopausal people. Major brands including M&S and Boots have already joined ‘GenM’ in co-signing an open letter to the industry asking major ​​brands from all sectors to pledge to better understand the needs of those going through menopause, use their platforms to normalise the conversation around the topic, and review how their policies, products and services can improve the menopause experience.

‘GenM’ also wants companies to develop their internal teams so they can support their menopausal employees.

Website: https://gen-m.com/

‘Henpicked’

‘Henpicked’ is one of the UK’s largest, fastest-growing websites for women, here to give women a place to have their say, sparking discussion, promoting healthy debate and, aiming to bring about positive change. ‘Henpicked’ is a dynamic community of women who want to help one another with news and views on a number of subjects with women supporting women.

‘Henpicked’ has a special website section on ‘Menopause in the Workplace’ covering awareness, toolkits and training and their menopause in the workplace experts provide line manager and colleague training, videos, eLearning, policy and communications expertise.

Website:https://henpicked.net/menopause-hub/menopause-and-work/

‘Daisy Network’ Charity

Daisy Network is a charity dedicated to providing information and support to women diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency, also known as Premature Menopause.

Website:https://www.daisynetwork.org/

Conclusion – CWU 

The CWU has wanted RMG to become more menopause friendly throughout the organisation and to raise awareness, develop workplace information, management training, education, policies and practices and through the new campaign and enhanced support we will continue discussing and monitoring it. Everyone knows someone who is experiencing menopause or someone who will eventually go through menopause and we want Reps to ensure those members access and use the information and support available to make a difference.

The menopause is a natural stage of life and it can be a difficult and stressful time for those experiencing symptoms which can be quite severe, affecting people both physically and mentally. Those going through the menopause shouldn’t just be expected to put up with it and deal with it whilst suffering in silence. Enhancing the support available, raising awareness and creating a positive and open environment for those affected is encouraging and can help prevent stress, anxiety and depression, loss of confidence and feeling like they need to take time off work and hide the reasons for it. Normalising menopause conversations in the workplace, increasing awareness of the impact of menopause symptoms which can last a long time is therefore is an important, positive step forward. The CWU very much welcomes and supports the new campaign.

Attachments:

• ‘GenM’ – The Invisibility (Menopause) Report

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB073 Royal Mail Group – Let’s Talk Menopause Campaign – Launch of Enhanced Menopause Support Package For Women – Today 17 February 2022

Gen-M-Invisibility-Report-Menopause

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HEART UNIONS WEEK – CWUMUG – ALL PROFITS TOUCU STRIKE FUND

We have linked up with Pellacraft to produce a new mug design, with all profits going directly to the UCU strike fund. University workers are currently in the midst of a 10-day strike over pensions with more action expected in the coming weeks on pay, terms and conditions. It is vital all unions stand with the UCU.

The ‘oversized’ mug would look great in any home or branch office and gives us the chance to raise funds for a crucial cause at the same time.

Individual mugs can be purchased via this link  https://www.cwu-shop.org/direct-action-pint-mug

Bulk orders can be made by contacting Pellacraft directly at sam@pellacraft.com

All profits from the sale of the mugs go directly to the UCU strike fund.

We urge all branches to support this initiative and a group of workers who are standing up for themselves against an exploitative employer.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward
General Secretary

22LTB074 – HEART UNIONS WEEK – CWU MUG – ALL PROFITS TO UCU STRIKE FUND

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POST OFFICE: PAY 2021/22 – LEGAL TRADE DISPUTE – BALLOT TIMETABLE

Further to LTB 062/22 dated 9^thFebruary.

National Briefing and Communications

We held a National Briefing in Birmingham earlier today and I’m pleased to report the general feedback from Branches and Reps was very positive and all indications are that the members fully understand the reasons for the dispute and we are optimistic that a healthy Yes vote will be delivered.  However, we are not taking this for granted and it is therefore important for Reps to continue to engage with the members via face to face visits and gate meetings together with our other channels.  In this regard, we are working closely with our Communications Department and plans are being developed for Facebook Live events and a Zoom rally of impacted members.  Further details including dates for these activities will be advised in due course.

Strike Ballot Timetable

Branches are advised the timetable below, which has previously been endorsed by the Postal Executive, was announced at the National Briefing earlier today:

• Notice Served Monday 28^thFebruary
• Ballot Papers Despatched Monday 7^th March
• Ballot Closes Monday 28^thMarch

It should be noted the above timetable has been influenced by the feedback from our Reps who reported that annual leave in March is quite high amongst our members due to accruing leave during Lockdowns etc.  Consequently we have allowed for a slightly longer period for ballot papers to be returned.

We are taking the unusual step of publicising the timetable earlier than the legal requirements as we are keen to explain to members the sequencing of events and provide them with an explanation as to why we are not serving notice for another 12 days.  In essence, as Branches will be aware, we are in the middle of a membership verification exercise which is an important activity.  Branches are reminded that any changes need to be notified to Lisa Parrett – lparrett@cwu.org SDGS Department by no later than Tuesday 22^nd February.  Branches are encouraged to work with our Post Office Reps to ensure this activity is completed in good time.

Membership Communication

Helpfully, Post Office last Friday 11^thFebruary published a “One Digest” article (attached) regarding the extreme cost of living being experienced by people today entitled “Two in five Brits forced to make impossible decisions”.  Laura Joseph, Customer Experience Director, expanded upon this position when saying “…hunger and poverty in the UK is a very real issue that we all need to come together to tackle head on, especially in these unprecedented times  .”

The Post Office communication, whilst laudable in its support and promotion of the Trussell Trust, simply adds insult to injury when viewed against the imposed pay freeze on our members.  Crucially, Post Office has made a compelling argument for a good pay rise for our key worker members.  I have therefore written to Nick Read, CEO, to challenge these double standards and have specifically called upon him to do the right thing by his employees and abandon the indefensible and unrealistic pay freeze policy.

In this regard, a home mailing is in the process of being sent to our members highlighting the irony of this situation.  A copy is attached for information.

Finally, Branches are urged to bring the contents of this LTB to the attention of our Post Office members.

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

Attachment 1: 22LTB070 Post Office – Pay 2021-22 – Legal Trade Dispute – Ballot Timetable

Attachemnt 2: Attachment 1 to 22LTB070

Attachment 3: Attachment 2 to 22LTB070

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RMG Coronavirus Update – Further Easing of Covid-19 Restrictions in Northern Ireland:

Further to LTBs 002/22, 031/22, 033/22, 036/22 and 43/22, the Northern Ireland Government Health Minister announced yesterday the further additional easing of Covid-19 control measures and restrictions in so far as remaining Covid-19 restrictions in Northern Ireland will be lifted and an order would be made to that effect.

The remaining restrictions being removed include requirements to wear face coverings. There will no longer be a requirement to wear a face covering in any enclosed public areas, including shops, restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs, public transport, driving instruction and close contact services etc. The N.I. Government will remove the regulations and instead move to a position of face coverings being ‘strongly recommended’ for enclosed indoor settings.

See attached message from Dr. Shaun Davis RMG Director of Safety‎ that is being issued to all managers in Northern Ireland today.

The message confirms that the wearing of face coverings in all Royal Mail Group (Royal Mail and Parcelforce) buildings in Northern Ireland is no longer mandatory and  instead, face coverings are now ‘strongly recommended’ at this time.

Royal Mail Group will continue to supply face masks to those members wishing to continue wearing them, both disposable and three ply cotton washable types.

There are no further changes at this time but further announcements are expected at the end of February from the UK Government and the devolved administrations.

Royal Mail Group in consultation with the CWU continues to monitor announcements across the UK and expect in a few weeks’ time to be able to update the workforce on the lifting of further coronavirus restrictions all together.

Note; that in the event of any unit Covid outbreaks/case clusters, Covid secure restrictions and controls may be re-introduced following the Covid Unit Risk Assessment and control process in consultation with the CWU.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 071/22 – RMG Coronavirus Update – Further Easing of Covid-19 Restrictions in Northern Ireland

Att: Coronavirus Update 16.02.22

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Royal Mail Group Joint Health & Safety Committee Meetings – Message From Dr. Shaun Davis Director Safety, SRSC Regulations 1977, National Health and Safety Representation and Consultation National Agreements and RMG SHE Standard 2.3:

Under Regulation 9 of the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977, employers are required to establish and maintain health and safety committees by law.

The National Health and Safety Representation and Consultation Agreements between all Royal Mail Group Businesses and the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department along with Royal Mail Group Safety Health and Environment (SHE) Standard 2.3 and Safety Policies set out the ‘Mandatory’ requirement for joint health and safety committees.

The primary purpose of a health and safety committee is to facilitate cooperation between the employers, departments, managers, Trade Unions and their appointed Health and Safety Representatives to identify, address, and resolve health and safety issues and concerns.

Health and safety committees have a crucial role to play in translating worker Safety Representative involvement into practice.

Where workplace health and safety management is poor, the health and safety committee provides a highly effective way in which to hold the management to account and to secure improvements and remedial actions.

Even where standards of occupational health and safety appear to be adequate, safety committees can do much to promote a climate in which safety issues are seen as inherent to the success of the organisation and not merely as a list of areas which must be checked in order to avoid legal action.

Well established safety committees will often go beyond checking passive compliance with health and safety law, by playing a pro-active role in the fostering and development of a positive health and safety ‘culture’ within the workplace.

Joint health and safety committees can empower health and safety reps’ involvement and engagement in order to play a significant role in decisions made about health and safety at work.

Independent research has shown that workplaces with union health and safety representatives and joint health and safety committees had significantly better safety records and accident records than those with no effective consultation mechanisms.

In carrying out their functions around the organisation, health and safety reps become extremely knowledgeable about the safety hazards and risks that the workforce may encounter in the course of their duties. Such expertise is invaluable and the health and safety committee is a prime conduit through which that input can flow proving that greater health and safety rep participation in workplace health and safety brings big benefits to the workforce, employers and managers.

It was brought to the attention of the CWU Health Safety and Environment Department that during the pandemic, the management in some areas and units in Royal Mail Group had taken it upon themselves to cease Health and Safety Committee meetings – which in fact they had no authority to do as it was both in breach of the law and in breach of National Agreements and company mandatory policies.

At our request the Director of Safety has issued communications to all managers across all parts of Royal Mail Group that joint Health and Safety Committee meetings MUST take place.

The communication from Shaun Davis Royal Mail Group Director of Safety is attached.

NOTE: Under the CWU/RM National Health and Safety Representation and Consultation Agreement, the ASR can attend ALL Health and Safety Committees in his/her constituency area.

ASR ACTION:

Please ensure all Joint Health and Safety Committees are functioning and meeting regularly (as per the above and attached), producing minutes and remedial action plans, operating to the model agenda as a minimum. Any areas not resolved should be escalated as per the attached process.

Attachments:

• Health and Safety Committee Meetings – Message From Dr Shaun Davis Safety Director
• RMG SHE Instruction 2.3 – SHE Consultation in Day To Day Operations Guidance Document
• Appendix 1 She Standard 2.3 – Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Committees Structure & Suggested Attendees (Appendix1)
• RMG SHE Instruction 2.3 – Consultation and Participation
• Appendix 3 – Safety Health and Environment Committee Agenda
• RMG SHE Instruction 2.3 SHE Committee Meeting and Dispute Resolution Guidance Document
• Appendix 2 – SHE Standard 2.3 Dispute Resolution Flowchart
• Appendix 6 – SHE Standard 2.3 Dispute Resolution Template

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB069 Message From Shaun Davis SRSC Regulations 1977 National H&S Representation and Consultation National Agreements and RMG SHE Standard 2.3

RMG SHE Health & Safety Committee Meetings – Message From Dr Shaun Davis Director Safety

Consultation in Day to Day Operations Guidance (SHEI 2.3) v.12 (1)

SHE Committees Structure Suggested Attendees (SHEI 2.3)(Appendix 1)(v 2.0)

SHEI 2.3 Consultation and Participation (v 1.1)

SHE Committee Meeting Agenda Template (Appendix 3) (v1.2)

SHE Dispute Resolution Record Template (SHEI 2.3)(Appendix 6) v1.1

SHE Dispute Resolution Flowchart (SHEI 2.3) (Appendix 2) (v 5.0)

SHE Dispute Resolution Record Template (SHEI 2.3)(Appendix 6) v1.1

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Royal Mail Group (RMG)/CWU Agreement – Mental Health First Aid Training for Physical/Medical First Aiders and CWU Area Health and Safety Representatives (February-March 2022 Course Dates – Applications Now Invited)

LTB 481/18 and LTB696/19 reported to branches that a major Agreement on Mental Health First Aid Training had been reached by the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department with Royal Mail Group and as part of the Royal Mail Group, “Because Healthy Minds Matter”, five-year mental health strategy, Royal Mail Group has agreed to up-skill all managers, all physical/medical first aiders and all CWU ASRs with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training which will involve approximately 10,000 Managers, and 5,500 CWU members who are First Aid volunteers across the UK. In addition, all CWU Area Health and Safety Representatives in all Royal Mail Group Businesses and Business Units, approximately 150 CWU Health and Safety Reps, will be included in the programme plus 700 Health & Wellbeing Ambassadors, most of whom are CWU Reps and members will be able to attend the MHFA one-day training courses also.

The MHFA training is evidence based and is aimed at increasing people’s mental health awareness, skills and confidence, enabling them to step in to situations where they notice signs of poor mental health and help someone in distress and to give first aid support, talk, and help prevent them from hurting themselves and signpost them to the right professional, expert support.

The training will be provided by in-house, accredited, licensed MHFA instructors. The Royal Mail Group trainers have completed the MHFA England Trainer’s Course. They undertake 6 days of training, then have to run 2 x 2 days MHFA courses on which they are assessed by MHFA England assessors and are then licensed to deliver the training. A MHFA England specially designed 1-day-plus course will be provided and is a condensed version of the standard 2-day MHFA (England) training course. The trainers complete some additional training in order to deliver this ‘condensed’ one-day-plus course which is what RMG is delivering.

2,100 Royal Mail Group employees have so far attended the RMG delivered MHFA courses – mainly managers. Approximately 25% are front line CWU grades, CWU Reps and Health & Wellbeing Ambassadors.

The organisation and delivery of courses were disrupted and ceased during the pandemic but are now re-starting with a determined effort to organise as many courses as possible.

Course dates for the first quarter period February – March 2022 have now been released and applications are invited from Physical/Medical First Aiders and CWU Area Health and Safety Reps to attend the 1-day Mental Health First Aid Courses at the venues and at the times in the table listed below. CWU Members who are Health & Wellbeing Ambassadors can also apply to attend.

Enrolment on a course can be made (with line management approval) via PSP/Success Factors on the Royal Mail Group Intranet site or by calling the HR Service Centre on 0345 6060603.

To book a Course:

1. Access SuccessFactors: https://performancemanager.successfactors.eu/login?company=C0001112080P&loginMethod=PWD.

• Use the following details the first time you logon. The details can be found on your payslip:
• User name = your employee number e.g. 12345678
• Password = your National Insurance number without any dashes or spaces. The first two letters should be upper case, and the last, lower case e.g. AB123456c
• When you log on to the system for the first time, please enter your personal email address in your profile, under ‘My Employee File’.

2. Once logged in, click on the drop down in the top left of the SuccessFactors home screen and select ‘Learning’.
3. Search for ‘mental health’ – you will see ‘Mental Health First Aid’ within the search results where you view and register for an available course.

If there are no spaces for a local course, a waiting list is available and more courses are being added regularly. Alternatively the Unit can contact hrsclearningservices@royalmail.comwith a request to run a course if there are a number of colleagues who would like to attend.

Training will usually be 09:00-17:00unless designed specifically for a late/night shift.Training locationDateExeter MC16/02/2022Jubilee MC16/02/2022Jubilee MC17/02/2022Bristol MC17/02/2022Glasgow MC23/02/2022North West Midlands MC24/02/2022Farringdon Road24/02/2022Bristol MC25/02/2022NDC01/03/2022NDC02/03/2022Northampton Central DO02/03/2022Nottingham MC03/03/2022Preston MC04/03/2022Birmingham MC04/03/2022Leicester MPU07/03/2022Tyneside MC08/03/2022Sheffield MC09/03/2022Dartford MC14/03/2022Warrington MC08/03/2022Gatwick MC14/03/2022Leicester MPU21/03/2022

Any management enquiries should be directed to: hrsclearningservices@royalmail.com.

Attachments:

• LTB 481/2018 – Royal Mail Group (RMG)/CWU Agreement – Mental Health First Aid Training for Physical/Medical First Aiders and CWU Area Health and Safety Representatives: (Part Of The Royal Mail Group 5-Year Mental Health Strategy)
• Joint Statement between Royal Mail Group and CWU – Mental Health First Aid Training for Physical First Aiders and CWU Area Health and Safety Representatives
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Course Summary Description.

Alongside the Mental Health First Aid Awareness classroom training, RMG provides the following which is also available via PSP/Success Factors on the RMG Intranet site:-

• Two ‘Because Healthy Minds Matter’ e-learning modules
• Managing Stress e-Learning
• Managing and Preventing Stress Guidance
• 5 Mental Health Foundation Videos

Mental Health Support Available

First Class Support helpline – completely confidential, independent and available 24/7 – Call 0345 266 5060.

First Class Support digital services– www.rmgfirstclasssupport.co.uk or download the ‘Lifeworks’ app.

Call the helpline or use the online chat facility via the website/app if you would like to talk to someone about any physical or mental health-related matter, for lifestyle advice, or for direct access to counselling treatments. Digital services include support resources, toolkits, health and wellbeing assessments and personal care programmes.

New users of the website or app can sign up using a unique invitation code, which is ‘RMG-‘and your payroll number, e.g. RMG-12345678.

Stress Toolkit: including the managing and preventing workplace stress guide; individual stress risk assessment; and the group stress risk assessment.

Shout Mental Health Text Service: Text Shout to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer.

Samaritans: Call 116 123 – available 24/7.

Footnote

We the CWU want equality between physical health and mental health. Better mental health is good for everyone and we want to see a transformation in workplaces on how they think about mental health. This is key because members spend a third of their time at work.

Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB067 RMG CWU Agreement Mental Health First Aid Training for Physical Medical First Aiders and CWU ASRs (February-March 2022 Course Dates)

18LTB481 Royal Mail Group(RMG) CWU Agreement – Mental Health First Aid Training

MHFA Training Joint Statement Final

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Course Summary Description

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Post Office Ltd Supply Chain (CVIT) – POL/CWU Joint Driver/Road Safety ‘Seat Belts’ Campaign W/C 14 February 2022:

Further to LTBs 554/21 and 57/22, Post Office Ltd jointly with CWU have launched a Driver Safety “Seat Belts” Campaign in the POL Supply Chain (CVIT – Cash and Valuables in Transit) Fleet depots.

It’s compulsory to wear a seat belt at all times when driving a Post Office Ltd vehicle. The law and Post Office Ltd Policy applies to drivers and passengers who must wear their seat belts.

Seatbelts can help to save lives. They are important safety features that, like air bags, help to protect a driver or passenger in a collision and minimise injuries.

According to all motoring and medical experts seat belts reduce one’s risk of suffering injuries or death by about half. In fact thousands of lives are saved every year by seat belts in the UK.

Those who do not wear their seatbelts while in a vehicle put themselves at greater risk of severe injury or even death. It is also a legal requirement and has been since 1983. POL Vehicle Drivers are NOT exempt! 

Seat belts are designed to retain people in their seats, and so prevent or reduce injuries suffered in a crash. They ensure that as little contact is made between the occupant and vehicle interior as possible and significantly reduce the risk of being thrown around inside a vehicle or thrown from a vehicle in the event of a collision.

Seat belts are designed to work as the key part of wider injury prevention measures and safety systems, such as airbags and head restraints, which will not be as effective in reducing the risk of injury if an occupant is not wearing a seat belt.

Seatbelts are reported to save over 2,000 lives per year. In the event of a serious collision, you are twice as likely to die if you are not wearing a seatbelt.

Wearing a seat belt has been compulsory in the UK for drivers and front seat passengers since 1983 and for rear seat passengers since 1991 (1989 for under-14s). Despite the law being in place for 30 years, thousands of drivers continue to flout the rules and government figures show that almost a quarter of all people killed in crashes were not wearing a seat belt.

Drivers must wear a seat belt in cars, vans and other goods vehicles. Adults, and children aged 14 years and over, must use a seat belt, where fitted, when seated in minibuses, buses and coaches.

Worryingly, some Post Office Ltd as with Royal Mail and Parcelforce drivers and passengers are being found to not be wearing a seatbelt and are in breach of the law. During spot check observations a number of drivers and passengers were observed not wearing a seatbelt.

Facts: 

• Drivers and front seat passengers must wear a seat belt – it only takes 5 seconds to belt up.
• All drivers must wear their seat belts all the time to comply with POL standards.
• The fixed penalty for failing to wear a seat belt as a driver or passenger is a £100 fine.
• If the case is taken to court, you could face a fine of up to £500.
• In Northern Ireland drivers will also have three penalty points added to their driving licence. There are also moves to add penalty points to the punishment in England, Scotland and Wales.
• A number of CWU member drivers have been fined for not wearing their seat belt.

Wearing a seat belt correctly: 

In order to wear a seat belt safely, the following points should be adhered to:

• The belt should be worn as tight as possible, with no slack.
• The lap belt should go over the pelvic region, not the stomach.
• The diagonal strap should rest over the shoulder, not the neck.
• Nothing should obstruct the smooth movement of the belt by trapping it.

Why wearing a seat belt is important: 

• It keeps vehicle occupants inside.
• It restrains the strongest parts of the body.
• Seat belts spread out the force of a collision.
• Helps the body to slow down.
• It protects the brain and spinal cord.
• Wearing a seat belt is required by law (POL and RMG DRIVERS ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM THIS LAW).

Damaged seat belts: 

Seat belts should be regularly checked for damage, this forms part of the driver’s vehicle checks. Common forms of damage to the seat belt that will reduce its effectiveness in an accident:

• Fraying or fluffing around the edges of the seat belt.
• A cut which causes the fabric to split.
• A hole in the seat belt.
• Damage to the buckle.
• Report any faults found during vehicle checks before using the vehicle.

Carl’s Story

Attached is a copy of the Joint CWU/POL Poster and CWU/POL Joint Communication to all POL Supply Chain drivers “The Important Of Seatbelts”. This features some dramatic photographs from a CWU article entitled “Seat Belts Save Lives –Mine Saved Me”. Parcelforce Driver and CWU member Carl Prendergast was involved in a very serious, terrifying, recent road accident in which his 7.5-tonne Parcelforce lorry smashed through the barriers on an elevated flyover in Reading and cart-wheeled over before dropping upside down some 30 feet before landing on its roof, on the road below. In his own words Carl said: “If I hadn’t been wearing my seat belt, I’d have been catapulted out of the front windscreen and crushed to death on the road.” He appealed to all his fellow CWU member colleagues and drivers; “Please never forget your seat belt, it can save your life – it certainly saved mine.”  Carl’s story is an important example of the absolute necessity of wearing a seatbelt at all times while driving. Without a seatbelt, Carl would not be with us today – that’s the honest truth of the matter. Please everyone, it only takes a second for another driver perhaps to make a small mistake and as we can see from the Reading incident, the consequences are potentially catastrophic. Seatbelts save lives and in this case it certainly did. Those who don’t wear their seatbelts whilst behind the wheel put themselves in mortal danger. We’re all extremely relieved that Carl survived this horrific accident and walked away with minor injuries. Carl’s story and the photographs of his accident has and will continue to help raise awareness of the vital importance of seat belts. During this POL/CWU Road Safety – Seat Belts Campaign, working together to raise awareness and promote the importance to CWU members who drive as part of their job, the importance of wearing their seat belts, through the poster and communication. Our thanks to Carl for volunteering to tell his story in order to help get this important message across.

Managers’ responsibilities: 

Managers must carry out driving and yard checks to reinforce positive safe behaviours through coaching. During this campaign they should concentrate on checking that drivers are wearing their seat belts and reminding them to do so.

If the vehicle is moving, belt up! 

All drivers must wear their seatbelt at all times whenever driving or travelling for Post Office Ltd. There are no exceptions regardless of whether they are in the yard, on private and public roads/property, or travelling only short distances. If the vehicle is moving, belt up!

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

This Campaign is not tied to just one week and we want the focus on the campaign to be sustainable so CWU Reps, POL Safety Team and POL Operational Managers can focus on the issue and programme and keep it in focus regularly thereafter.

Post Office Ltd and the CWU agree that the safety of the workforce is paramount. Vehicle and driver safety, road risk, avoiding accidents and injuries are top priorities for us all.

Please support this Road Safety Campaign – Would all CWU Reps pro-actively work with the POL Safety Team and engage Operational Managers and drivers to get involved and lift the profile of the Campaign in line with the POL/CWU Joint Road/Driver Safety Campaign. Thanks for your support.

Any management enquiries should be directed to Andrew Steadman POL National Fleet Audit Manager: Mobile: 07526985257 Email: andrew.c.steadman@posttoffice.co.uk

Attachments:

• POL/CWU Campaign Poster
• POL/CWU Campaign Communication

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB068 Post Office Ltd Supply Chain (CVIT) – POL CWU Joint Driver Road Safety ‘Seat Belts’ Campaign WC 14 February 2022

CWU – POL – Poster Seat Belts FEB 22

The importance of Seat Belts – CWU-POL FEB 22

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