POST OFFICE: PAY 2021/22 -LEGAL TRADE DISPUTE – BALLOT FOR STRIKE ACTION

Further to LTB580/21 dated 23^rdDecember. Branches are advised that two meetings (5^th and 24^th January) have now been held with David Prince, Chief Conciliator, Acas which were totally unproductive due to Post Office’s pay freeze position for 2021/22.  Despite the best endeavours of Acas to try and find a constructive way forward, we were met with a completely unreasonable mind-set from Post Office who are currently refusing to move from the pay stance.

Given the prevailing attitude of Post Office under the leadership of Nick Read, Chief Executive Officer, we have been left with no option other than prepare to ballot our members for industrial action.  This policy was endorsed by the Postal Executive earlier this afternoon.  Clearly, our key worker members, who have continued to provide an excellent service during the pandemic, deserve better, particularly with the acute rise in the cost of living which is likely to continue in the coming months.

Attached are the following letters which confirm the trade dispute.

• Letter to Nick Read dated 19^thJanuary – Pay Dispute: Rising Inflation
•  Response from Lee Kelly, Employee Relations and Policy Director dated 21^st January – Re: Pay Dispute: Rising Inflation
•  Letter to Nick Read dated 24^thJanuary – Pay 2021/22: Legal Trade Dispute – Ballot for Strike Action 

A proposed ballot timetable will be placed before the Postal Executive for endorsement once we have consulted with our Reps and the SDGS Department.  In the meantime, Branches are urged to highlight the pay freeze to our Post Office members.  Lastly, we will be meeting with our full-time Reps tomorrow to consider how best to pursue membership engagement to ensure the necessary outcome in the ballot.

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

Attachment 1: 22LTB034 Post Office -Pay 2021-22 Legal Trade Dispute – Ballot for Strike Action

Attachment 2: Attachment 1 to 22LTB034

Attachment 3: Attachment 2 to 22 LTB034

Attachment 4: Attachment 3 to 22LTB034

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The New Covid-19 Rules For The UK – Update:

The CWU Health Safety and Environment Department continues to constantly monitor the position across the UK.

A round of further announcements were made last week by the UK Government regarding the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in England plus the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland followed with revised rules relaxing restrictions with changes occurring on several different dates. These are summarised below:

What Are The Covid Rule Changes In England?

England is to remove its “Plan B” Covid restrictions this week.

The Government is no longer asking people to work from homeand face masks will no longer be compulsory in school classrooms, public places, public transport, shops, hairdressers, public venues, theatres and cinemas etc., from Thursday 27 January:

• Covid passes or passports will no longer be compulsoryto gain entry to venues and events.
• Face masks will no longer be compulsory in any public spaces – although they will still be “recommended” in some places, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said they will remain mandatory on TfL services in London.
• Restrictions on visits to care homes will be eased.

The prime minister said he also hopes to scrap mandatory self-isolation for people who test positive for Covid. The current regulations expire on 24 Marchand he hopes to bring that date forward.

What are the Covid Rule Changes In Wales?

A gradual easing of Covid restrictions is under way in Wales.

• From Friday 21 January there are no limits on numbers at outdoor events.
• On 28 January, nightclubs will open, and gatherings in pubs and restaurants will no longer be limited to six people.
• Covid passes or passports will still be required for large events, cinemas, nightclubs and theatres.

Current Covid Rules In Wales Include: 

• Compulsory face coverings in schools, on public transport, and in shops and hospitals.
• Social distancing of 2m (6ft) in all premises open to the public and workplaces, where reasonable.
• Gatherings limited to six people in premises such as hospitality venues, cinemas and theatres.
• Additional measures at licensed premises, including table service and collecting contact details.
• Maximum number of 30 allowed at indoor events.
• Nightclubs are closed.
• NHS Covid Pass needed for entry to cinemas, theatres and concert halls, and many other events.
• Working from home wherever possible.
• Secondary school pupils are asked to test for Covid three times a week.

What Are The Covid Rules In Northern Ireland?

Covid Rules in Northern Ireland are also being relaxed.

From 21 January:

• Rules on table service in hospitality businesses and the “rule of six” per table will end.
• Guidance of three households allowed to meet in a home will be removed.

From 26 January:

• Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen, with dancing and indoor standing events also permitted again.
• Proof of Covid status (Covid Passports) will no longer be legally required in hospitality premises. (They will remain in place for nightclubs and indoor unseated and partially-seated events with 500 or more people).
• The need for offices to “take reasonable measures for 2m (6ft) social distancing” will be removed, although risk assessments should be carried out.

Current Covid Rules In Northern Ireland Include: 

• Compulsory face coverings in shops, indoor-seated venues and visitor attractions, public transport and other settings.
• Post-primary pupils must wear a face covering inside school buildings, as well as on school transport. Staff are encouraged to wear masks in school areas where they can’t socially distance.

What Is Changing In Scotland?

Covid Rules in Scotland will be lifted.

From 24 January:

• Nightclubs – can reopen.
• Limits on the size of indoor events – 100 standing or 200 seated – removed.
• Social distancing indoors – removed.
• Table service only in hospitality venues – removed.
• No limit on the number of households meeting indoors.
• Non-professional indoor contact sports – resume.

Current Covid Rules In Scotland Include: 

• Shops and businesses need to take measures to limit the spread of Covid.
• Employers have a legal duty to let staff work from home.
• Face coverings are compulsory on public transport and most indoor spaces.
• Covid certification scheme is in place for some venues including nightclubs requiring a negative test or proof of being fully vaccinated.
• Organisers of large-scale events must check the Covid status of at least 50% of attendees, or 1,000 people, whichever is the larger number.

How Else Have The Covid Rules Changed?

• People who test positive for Covid (in England and Northern Ireland) can now end self-isolation after 5 days and after 7 days (in Wales and Scotland) instead of the previous 10, subject to two negative lateral flow test (LFT) results.
• People without Covid symptoms who have a positive LFD Test result don’t need to take a PCR test to confirm their status.
• Children and fully vaccinated adults no longer need to take a pre-departure test before travelling to the UK and can now take an LFT instead of a PCR on arrival.

Note: Announcements by the UK Governments are being made regularly and therefore the above information is subject to ongoing change as further restrictions are amended and removed. Further reports will be issued in due course. 

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 033/22 – The New Covid-19 Rules for the UK – Update

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Royal Mail Group – Coronavirus Update – Easing of Restrictions – Message From Dr Shaun Davis Director Safety:

Background

On 19 January, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Secretary of State For Health and Social Care Sajid Javid, announced that all Covid-19 “Plan B” measures and restrictions will end this week and this included guidance to work from home, vaccine certificates/passports and mandatory mask rules, which are to be ended in England on 27 January, as the nation moves back to “Plan A”. The Prime Minister also announced that the legal, compulsory requirement on people with Coronavirus to self-isolate would cease on 24 March, or that date could be brought forward.

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care stated that the Government’s Office of National Statistics (ONS) data shows a marked fall in infections, including in older age groups. Additionally, hospitalisations have fallen and the number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care beds has now dropped to the same level as it was back in July 2021. Mr Javid said that testing, vaccines, antibodies and antivirals will be the “cornerstone of our future defences” as “almost all” restrictions end.

In removing the legal mandate for the wearing of face masks, the Government suggests that people may wish to voluntarily wear them in enclosed, crowded places, especially where people come into contact with people who they don’t normally meet.

Further announcements including rule changes around care homes and hospital visits will follow.

Dr Susan Hopkins Chief Medical Advisor of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Government agency in England responsible for public health protection and the impact of infectious diseases also confirmed her support for the announced changes after seeing the declining case numbers. Dr Hopkins said Covid-19 infections are significantly down compared with the peak at the end of 2021. The latest seven-day average was 93,000 compared with 225,000 on 29 December 2021. Hospital cases were back down to below 20,000 while there were only 700 people on mechanical ventilators across the country which is back down to levels last seen in July 2021. This reflects population vaccination levels and the weakening and reduced severity of the Virus that we’ve seen with the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Royal Mail Group – Coronavirus Update – Easing of Restrictions

On 20 January, Royal Mail Group issued the attached ‘Coronavirus Update Message’ from Dr. Shaun Davis, Royal Mail Group Director of Safety, further to the Government announcements the previous day. The update which follows the Government rule changes and the advice of their medical and scientific experts covers the following:

Changes in England – Face Masks and Working From Home:

• From the 19 January 2022, it is no longer necessary for those employees, working from home to continue doing so and any individual Royal Mail Group employees with concerns about returning to offices should discuss this with their manager.
• From 27 January 2022, the ‘mandatory’ requirement to wear a face mask/covering in Royal Mail Group indoor settings will end (in England) – however face masks will remain ‘strongly recommended’ and Royal Mail Group will continue to supply face masks to those wishing to wear them.

England – Self Isolation Rules:

• As a reminder, people with Coronavirus in England can end their self-isolation after five full days, as long as they complete a negative lateral flow (LFD) test on day five and day six.
• If an employee tests negative on day six (24 hours after day five), then they should be able to resume work that day.

Scotland:

• Employees working from home should continue to do so where possible.
• Face coverings remain mandatory in all Royal Mail Group indoor settings.

Wales and Northern Ireland

• There is currently no changeto existing controls in place and employees should continue to follow current guidance. (See LTB No. 582/21 issued on 23 December 2021).
• Face coverings remain mandatory in all Royal Mail Group indoor settings.

Note:

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland announced on 20 January the gradual easing of restrictions which will commence on Friday 21 and Monday 24 January with the relaxation of controls and limits on household meetings, sports, nightclubs, pubs and restaurants, indoor/outdoor events, cinemas, theatres and Covid passports. The rules vary country to country. Further information in a separate LTB will be published.

Reducing the Risk of Covid-19 Coronavirus Transmission in the Workplace – Prevention is key

Please take the opportunity to check the standards in your unit:

1. Washing hands – regularly, for 40-60 seconds each time.
2. Face Masks/Coverings– ‘Strongly Recommended’ – not mandatory in England – Still Mandatory in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland until further notice and announcements by the devolved government administrations‎. Face Masks should be well fitted. Scientific and medical evidence shows that face coverings help stop the virus spreading, and this is a sensible precautionary measure at this time.
3. Cleaning vehicles – should take place at the start and end of duties.
4. Ventilation – increased ventilation reduces the concentration of the virus in the air and reduces the risk from airborne transmission. It is important to get as much fresh air into buildings as possible. Avoid stuffy, crowded rooms with no ventilation/fresh air.
5. Shared vans – ensure that windows are lowered to allow the cab to be ventilated.‎

Provision and Supply of Masks, Gloves, Sanitizer and Wipes

Masks, gloves and sanitizer per person is not to be unreasonably limited with supplies to be sufficient to enable them to be provided/changed frequently. For assistance in ordering supplies Office PiCs/Managers should contact: Uniform@royalmail.comor Sam Dixon National Uniform Manager Email: sam.dixon@royalmail.com Tel: 07553365925.

Hand sanitiser and wipes are available via the Additional Supplies Register (ASR) App. Assistance is available through Email: ASR_Support@royalmail.com

Ventilation

RMG have updated their Ventilation and Air Conditioning Covid-19 Guidance document with further detail on what constitutes ‘well ventilated’ and ‘poorly ventilated’ spaces or areas. Further information is on the P&FS Guidance SharePoint webpages. PiCs should ensure the Unit Ventilation Risk Assessment is completed.‎ For further information Unit PiCs/Managers should contact Katherine Bate RMP&FS Risk, Compliance and Standards Lead Email: katherine.bate@royalmail.comMob: 07843370676.

Self-Isolation and Testing 

It is important that members self-isolate when advised to do so, appropriate to the rules for the country concerned (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland). For further information Unit PiCs/Managers can contact Dan Clark RMG Health & Wellbeing Manager Tel: 07718098179 Email: dan.clarke@royalmail.com.

Workplace Outbreaks/Case Clusters 

Where units experience a cluster of cases, managers should utilise the materials in the ‘Confirmed Case Managers Pack’ and the RMG process for monitoring local infection rates, engaging and working with CWU Reps to reduce the risk of further transmissions. RMG stresses the importance of engaging with local IR and Safety Reps to consider the re-introduction of measures to avoid the spread in the workplace. For further information PiCs/Managers should contact Freddie Warnock RMG Head of Safety UK Operations Email: freddie.warnock@royalmail.comMobile: 07841076475.

Covid Secure Workplace Risk Assessment

To ensure workplaces remain ‘Covid-Secure’ environments, PiCs should check that they have reviewed and updated the Unit/Office Risk Assessment to the latest version. There is now one risk assessment which applies to all sites. For further information PiCs/Managers should contact Joanna Hosking RMG SHE Systems, Standards & Reporting Manager Mobile: 07841 492960 Email: joanna.hosking@royalmail.com.

Workplace Intense Cleaning Following Cases of Covid-19 Positive Tests

Following the diagnosis of positive cases in Royal Mail Group workplaces, intense virucidal, antimicrobial cleaning will take place of both the workplace and vehicles. Cleaning requests should be made via the RMP&FS Help Desk. For further information PiCs/Managers should contact Richard Booth-Davey RMP&FS Head of Safety Mob: 07568103436 Email: richard.booth-davey@royalmail.com.

Workforce Testing

Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Test Kits are available centrally to any Units or individuals wishing to undertake home self-testing which Royal Mail, Parcelforce and the CWU strongly support and encourage. The Test Kits can be ordered and will be delivered to the workplace for distribution to those wanting to participate. Regular testing aids the speedy detection of those infected but without symptoms, so allowing them to self-isolate and reduce the risk of causing an outbreak in the workplace. The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department is keen to get workplace weekly testing implemented in as many Units as possible. For those Units wishing to participate and request test kits PiCs/Managers should contact: hometests@royalmail.com.

Managers Further General Coronavirus Information/Support 

For further information, help and support managers can either call RMG Coronavirus Support 0345 604 2787 or contact coronavirus.support@royalmail.com.

First Class Support 

RMG First Class Support is free and confidential for employees including direct access to counselling services. Call 0345 266 5060, visit www.rmgfirstclasssupport.co.ukor download the ‘Lifeworks’ App. New users of the website/App can ‘sign up’ using a unique invitation code, which is RMG- and then your payroll number, e.g. RMG-12345678.

On the Royal Mail Group ‘Health and Wellbeing Intranet Webpages’, the RMG ‘Feeling First Class – Mental Health page’ includes stress guidance, support and training as well as signposting to internal and external mental health support services. For further information unit PiCs/Managers can contact Dan Clark RMG Health & Wellbeing Manager Tel: 07718098179 Email: dan.clarke@royalmail.com.

CWU Representatives Involvement

CWU Representatives will continue to be fully engaged and involved at all times with their input taken into account dealing with ‘Covid-Secure’ risk control measures as a priority. It is agreed nationally that managers and CWU representatives will work together to ensure that Covid-Secure controls are maintained and complied with.

Review

RMG HQ and CWU HQ will continue to review the current arrangements on a weekly basis, in line with the latest updates from the UK Government and devolved administrations.

Attachment:

• Message from Dr. Shaun Davis RMG Director Safety

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary Processing, Logistics, Parcelforce, International, Quadrant

Mark Baulch
Assistant Secretary Outdoor

LTB 031/22 – Royal Mail Group Coronavirus Update Easing of Restrictions Message From Dr Shaun Davis Director Safety

Att: Coronavirus update – easing of restrictions – Message from Dr Shaun Davis 20.01.22

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VIRTUAL RETIRED MEMBERS CONFERENCE – OBSERVERS

The Retired Members Conference is taking place on Tuesday 25^th January 2022 as a virtual conference.

All conference packs have been sent to the delegates via email for those that have registered. Delegates are encouraged to register on zoom prior to the conference. The Zoom registration link is within the conference pack. If you have not received your pack please contact aoneill@cwu.org

On the day observers can view the conference via the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/c/CWULive

Any enquiries on this LTB should be directed to Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256 or email eventsregistration@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

22LTB030 – Virtual Retired Members Conference – Observers

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General Conference 2022 – Submission of Motions

Further to LTB 547/21 issued on 14^thDecember 2021, Branches/Regional Committees/Regional Health and Safety Sub-Committees are reminded that the closing date for submission of motions to General Conference is midnight on Sunday 30^th January 2022.

Attached with this Letter to Branches are motion forms for General Conference 2022.  Branches should note that the motion guide for submitting motions to General Conference 2022 has been attached. Submitting bodies are advised to read the guidance notes carefully prior to submitting motions to ensure your motions meet the criteria for submission.

At this stage it is expected that the Equality Day will be Monday 25^thApril 2022. Whilst it is hoped that the content of motions submitted by the Regions on behalf of the Regional Equality Sub-Committee will be such that it is appropriate to be placed in the Equal Opportunities section of the agenda and heard on the Equality Day, motions will not automatically be placed there unless the content of the motion allows.

Entitlements In relation to the General Conference 2022:

• All Branches are entitled to submit three motions to General Conference.
• Regional Committees are entitled to submit three motions to the General Conference – however one of the motions must be from the Regional Equality Sub-Committee.
• Regional Health and Safety Sub-Committees are entitled to submit three motions on Health, Safety and Environmental matters to the Health Safety and Environment section of the agenda.
• Branches and Regions are entitled to submit one Rule Proposal to the rules section.

Motions submitted by email and any other email correspondence must be sent to generalmotions@cwu.org and no other personal email address.

Submitting bodies ***Please note the new email address***

If sending Motions by post, Branches must ensure they use a signed for service which guarantees delivery by the closing date and time.

Motions received, will be acknowledged within 72 hours. If you do not receive notification of the receipt of your motions, contact generalmotions@cwu.org or call Angela Niven at head office on 020 8971 7256 to confirm receipt.

Branches/Regions/Health and Safety Sub-Committees/Minority Conferences and the NEC are reminded that the Standing Orders Committee will not alter or amend any of the motions submitted therefore it is important that motions are checked before they are submitted.

Any queries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256 or by email to generalmotions@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

A P Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

22LTB029 – General Conference 22 – Submission of Motions

General Motion Guide 2022

General Conference Motion Form 2022

Rule Proposal Form 2022

HS Motion form GC 2022

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Election of:

• Royal Mail Divisional Representatives -2022
• Royal Mail Divisional Representatives (Substitute) – 2022
• Royal Mail Divisional Chair – 2022

Royal Mail Divisional Representatives & Royal Mail Divisional Representative (Sub)  

Nominations are invited from Branches within the relevant divisions for the position of Royal Mail Divisional Representative (2 per division) and Royal Mail Divisional Representative (Substitute – 1 per Division) for the following divisions:

Anglia

London

Midland

North East

North Wales/North West

Scotland/Northern Ireland

South Central

South East

South West/South Wales

The term of office for these positions is two years and the successful candidates will take up office at the conclusion of the election period, however candidates should be aware that the above positions and divisions are currently under review by the CWU & Royal Mail and therefore the term of office may be subject to change prior to the conclusion of the 2 year term.

Nomination forms are attached to this LTB and completed forms must be signed by the Branch Secretary and Branch Chair or accredited deputies and the nominee and should be returned by email to elections@cwu.org to be received by 7^th February 2022 (14:00).   

The timetable for the election is as follows:

Nominations Open:                                       24 January 2022

Nominations Close:                                        7 February 2022 (14:00)

Ballot Papers dispatched:                            14 February 2022

Ballot Close:                                                      28 February 2022 (first post)

If ballots are required for the positions of RM Divisional Representative and RM Divisional Representative (Substitute) they will be conducted on an individual member ballot basis and the ballots will be run in accordance with the CWU guidelines for Senior Regional/Field Official elections, which are attached for your information.

Royal Mail Divisional Chair

Nominations are invited from Branches within the relevant divisions for the position of Divisional Chair:

Anglia

London

Midland

North East

North Wales/North West

Scotland/Northern Ireland

South Central

South East

South West/South Wales

The term of office for these positions is two years and the successful candidates will take up office at the conclusion of the election period, however candidates should be aware that the above positions and divisions are currently under review by the CWU & Royal Mail and therefore the term of office may be subject to change prior to the conclusion of the 2 year term.

Nomination forms are attached to this LTB and completed forms must be signed by the Branch Secretary and Branch Chair or accredited deputies and the nominee, and should be returned by email to elections@cwu.org to be received by 7^th February 2022 (14:00).   

The timetable for the election is as follows:

Nominations Open:                                       24 January 2022

Nominations Close:                                        07 February 2022 (14:00)

Ballot Papers dispatched:                            14 February 2022

Ballot Close:                                                      28 February 2022 (first post)

If ballots are required for the position of RM Divisional Chair they will be conducted on a branch ballot basis and therefore paragraphs 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the attached Guidelines are not applicable on this occasion.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 0208 971 7237 or email address sdgs@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

22LTB028 – Election of Royal Mail Divisional Representatives

Regulations 2022

Div Rep – 2022- Nomination Form

Div Rep Sub – 2022 – Nomination Form

Div Chair – 2022- Nomination Form

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Royal Mail Engineering – CWU Territorial Representatives Election – Result

Further to LTB 003/22 dated 5th January 2022, at the close of the ballot on the 20th January 2022 the following results were received:

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Stephen Haggerty
South Yorkshire Branch  * Elected

Mark Hobin
Lancs & Cumbria Branch    * Elected

David Underhill
Midlands No 1 Branch  * Elected

SOUTHERN TERRITORY

Peter Hoare
Great Western Branch  * Elected

Ian McMullon
Midland Counties Branch  * Elected

John Humphries
London Postal Engineering Branch  * Elected

Congratulations to all who have been elected.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the PTS Department quoting Ref. 120 at e-mail address: khay@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Carl Maden
Assistant Secretary

22LTB027

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Next National Hazard Campaign Meeting – 28th January 2022 – A Zoom On-Line Meeting:

‎Janet Newsham, the Secretary of the National Hazards Campaign which is supported and sponsored by the CWU/HQ Health Safety and Environment Department, has notified us of the next ‘open’ meeting of the Hazards Campaign along with the agenda. This will be an on-line virtual meeting via zoom. All Safety Reps are welcome.

Details:

Hazards Campaign Meeting
Friday 28th January
10.30 – 12.30am
Via Zoom on-line

Agenda:

1. Brief relevant reports from people/groups on current work, issues
2. Scottish Hazards
3. GMHC/Hazards Campaign Secretariat Report – including: Priorities, Suicide, Supporting Safety Reps, Zero Covid
4. Hazards Magazine
5. FACK
6. Covid pandemic update
7. International Workers Memorial Day 28th April
8. Covid remembrance Day 11th March
9. Hazards 2022 Conference – July 29th-31^st
10. Toxic Use Reduction Conference – 25th Feb
11. Conference: Invisible Killers: what can and must be done?
12. AOB

Zoom Location link details as follows:-

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3630106422?pwd=WUx1RWt4MXJsellDay9ocGFsM1VXQT09

(https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3630106422?pwd%3DWUx1RWt4MXJsellDay9ocGFsM1VXQT09&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0aa12FhmO0gvTZmx6nqiYp)

Meeting ID: 363 010 6422 Passcode: 389508

Further Information:

Janet Newsham Tel: 07734317158 Email: janet@gmhazards.org.uk.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB026 Next National Hazard Campaign Meeting – 28th January 2022 – A Zoom On-Line Meeting

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Royal Mail Group – Latest Updated Coronavirus/Covid-19 – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Guidance Document (Version 15)

(Plus Updated RMG Coronavirus Close Contact Alert/Self-Isolation Flow Chart V14 Updated on 17 January 2022).

I attach for your information a copy of the Royal Mail Group, Managers’ Coronavirus/Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Guidance document, Version 15, issued by the business on 10 January 2022. As of today 19 January 2022 this is the latest Version.

At the commencement of the Coronavirus/Covid-19 outbreak, Royal Mail Group established a ‘Business Pandemic Team’ which includes all national heads of department and this team meets regularly to review the situation across Royal Mail Group and to issue update Questions and Answers information communications to all managers, which is in turn cascaded throughout the business.

The Q&A documents are circulated to all RMG managers and are also available to access through a link on the Royal Mail Group ‘Intranet’, in the ‘Managers Update Messages’ section on the RMG Coronavirus portal.

The Coronavirus Guidance, Version 15 Q&A document has been shared with the Union’s Health, Safety & Environment Department. It is not a document agreed with the Union but is circulated for useful information and reference purposes for CWU Regions, Health and Safety Reps, Branch Reps, Divisional IR Reps and members.

Changes made since the previous version have been highlighted in yellow. However, for ease of reference and to update and remind Branches and Reps of the important changes made in the latest version (copy attached), the changes are listed below:

Version 15 Changes:

• Page 7 – RMG Coronavirus Close Contact Alert/Self-Isolation Flow Chart – Note: Version 14 Updated on 17 January 2022 is attached.
• Page 8 – Can managers request evidence of a positive LFD or PCR test? – The manager can request evidence from the colleague (e.g. a screen shot of a text or email). Managers should direct any questions or concerns to the People Case Advice Team (0345 604 2787 or support@royalmail.com).
• Page 10 – Guidance on ceasing self-isolation after 10 days if still testing positive.
• Page 10 – Requesting ‘Deep Cleans’ via PFS following confirmed Covid-19 cases in a Unit? – Yes, we continue with the existing protocols. All tests for Coronavirus are treated the same. A confirmed case of Coronavirus can be via a lateral flow or PCR test. In the event of this happening contact the PFS helpdesk to arrange for a van or office clean.
• Page 14 – Vehicle Cleaning where a confirmed case of Coronavirus has been identified – Vehicle Cleans to continue to be requested via RM Fleet central booking helpline and Vehicle cleans will usually be actioned within 24 hours. Vehicles should be quarantined until they have been cleaned, up to 72 hours from the time the individual last used the vehicle. If a vehicle has been quarantined for 72 hours the vehicle can be brought into service without the requirement to complete a clean.

Version 15 Contents List: 

1. Shared Vans
2. Social Distancing
3. Face Coverings
4. Self-Isolation, Testing, Vulnerable Colleagues and Enforcement Visits
5. Cleaning, Facilities & CSP Cash Handling
6. Operations

Any enquiries regarding this LTB or feedback on the RMG Q&A document should be directed to Dave Joyce CWU National Health, Safety & Environment Officer. Issues received in connection with the attached which are appropriate to other CWU/HQ Departments will be passed on the appropriate National Officer.

Attachment:

• RMG Coronavirus Guidance Questions and Answers V15
• RMG Coronavirus Close Contact Alert/Self-Isolation Flow Chart V14 Updated on 17 January 2022.

Please Note: Changes are being announced regularly by the Central Government for England and by the devolved administration of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and if so further updates will follow.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB025 Royal Mail Group – Latest Updated Coronavirus Covid-19 – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Guidance Document (Version 15)

Coronavirus Guidance Questions v15

Close contact alert_v14

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Telecoms and Financial Services Conference 2022 – Submission of Motions

Attached with this Letter to Branches is the Motion form to be used for Telecoms and Financial Services conference 2022.   The purpose of this Letter to Branches is to remind those who do not have access to an e-mail facility that they must contact head office direct to request hard copies of the form to be dispatched to them.  They should contact Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256.

We would also remind Branches that the closing date for the submission of motions to this conference is midnight Sunday 27th February 2022, by post, or by email to tfsmotions@cwu.orgPLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESS which was communicated in LTB 700/19 issued on 10^th December 2019.  If by email only motions emailed to the above email address will be accepted.

If sending Motions by post, Branches must ensure they use a signed for service which guarantees delivery by the closing date and time.

General guidance on the submission of motions to the Telecoms and Financial Services Conference 2022 is attached to this LTB.

Branches are urged to note their entitlement to submit motions which is detailed in the guidance notes (also attached). Branches who exceed this entitlement risk all their submitted motions being ruled out of order.

Branches and the TFSE are reminded that the Standing Orders Committee will not alter or amend any of the motions submitted therefore it is important that motions are checked before they are submitted.

Any queries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Angela Niven at Head Office.

Yours sincerely,

A J Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

22LTB024 – Telecom and Financial Services – Submission of Motions

Guidance Notes TFS 2022

Motion-Form-TFS-2022

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