
Area Health & Safety Representatives election result

Royal Mail Group – Provision of Personal Attack Alarms To Postal Workers
This is a further short update following LTBs 422/2021, 435/2021, 455/21 and 562/21.
As previously reported, following discussions with Royal Mail Group HQ regarding concerns about the possible risk of physical and verbal threats and attacks on outdoor postal workers, agreement was reached between the CWU Health, Safety and & Environment Department and Royal Mail Group for the provision of Personal Attack Alarms for CWU members and that following further discussions with Royal Mail Group and ‘Dimensions’ the company’s work-wear supplier, it was further agreed that the new Personal Attack Alarms (PAAs) would be made available on the Royal Mail Group website/uniform ordering portal, from where CWU members can now order the item.
In October 2021, the new Personal Attack Alarms went live on the Royal Mail uniform ordering portal for ‘pre-orders’ of the alarms and 10,000 orders have to date been placed by CWU members which both the Union and RMG are delighted with. Royal Mail Group has subsequently ordered a further 10,000 Personal Attack Alarms from the manufacturer.
The Personal Attack Alarms (PAA) Safety Risk Assessment documentation has been cleared by Royal Mail Group and the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department with copies attached. At our request, a Noise Risk Assessment was carried out and the Personal Attack Alarm (PAA) was tested and has now received Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 safety certification clearance. The noise level recorded is within the legal maximum exposure limit.
As a result of the above, can all CWU Postal Branches and CWU Area Safety Reps, Area Delivery Reps and Area Distribution Reps remind members that Personal Attack Alarms are now available to any individual member who would like to request one. These are a simple, lightweight device (see attached image) that can clip on to the belt clip or PDA strap or Jacket ring and are activated by pulling the pin. A loud high-pitched noise is then sounded. These are recommended by both the Health and Safety Executive and the Police.
The Personal Attack Alarms can be ordered via the RMG Uniform portal as part of the personal uniform allocation.
As a reminder, on 10 January 2022 all managers were requested to brief members about the availability of Personal Attack Alarms and were tasked with the following Actions:
Would all Area Safety Reps carry out spot check safety inspections to ensure these actions have been complied with by all unit managers.
Attachments:
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
22LTB035 Royal Mail Group – Provision of Personal Attack Alarms To Postal Workers
Personal Attack Alarm SAC1 December 2021
RM Personal Attack Alarms WTLL-Huddle 10 January 2022
RM Personal Attack Alarm Noise Assessment Dec.2021
POST OFFICE: PAY 2021/22 -LEGAL TRADE DISPUTE – BALLOT FOR STRIKE ACTION
Further to LTB580/21 dated 23rdDecember. Branches are advised that two meetings (5th and 24th 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.
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
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:
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.
Current Covid Rules In Wales Include:
What Are The Covid Rules In Northern Ireland?
Covid Rules in Northern Ireland are also being relaxed.
From 21 January:
From 26 January:
Current Covid Rules In Northern Ireland Include:
What Is Changing In Scotland?
Covid Rules in Scotland will be lifted.
From 24 January:
Current Covid Rules In Scotland Include:
How Else Have The Covid Rules Changed?
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
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:
England – Self Isolation Rules:
Scotland:
Wales and Northern Ireland
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:
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:
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary Processing, Logistics, Parcelforce, International, Quadrant
Mark Baulch
Assistant Secretary Outdoor
Att: Coronavirus update – easing of restrictions – Message from Dr Shaun Davis 20.01.22
VIRTUAL RETIRED MEMBERS CONFERENCE – OBSERVERS
The Retired Members Conference is taking place on Tuesday 25th 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:
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
General Conference 2022 – Submission of Motions
Further to LTB 547/21 issued on 14thDecember 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 30th 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 25thApril 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:
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
Election of:
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 7th 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 7th 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
Div Rep – 2022- Nomination Form
Div Rep Sub – 2022 – Nomination Form
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
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:
Zoom Location link details as follows:-
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