FREE online film screening for CWU Members

To: All Branches 

Dear Colleagues,

LOCKDOWN CINEMA has launched a scheme for UK Trade Unions to buy their members complimentary streaming and download tickets to watch its films.

The first film included in the scheme is ‘THE BIG MEETING’, the critically-acclaimed documentary about the legendary Durham Miners’ Gala.

We have 200 CWU promotional codes to offer on a first come first served basis. Branches can offer this code to members for a 100% discount on a virtual ticket. Tickets are usually priced @£3.49 for rental or @£6.99 for download). The film is available until 19th December.

WATCH NOW FOR FREE!

Follow this link: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thebigmeeting

Select the option to buy the film.

Create or login to your Vimeo account

Enter the promo code: TBMTUCWU

Watch the film for FREE!

“The CWU are delighted to partner with Lockdown Cinema. I encourage our members and those interested in our movement to take the opportunity to learn more from this brilliant initiative.” Dave Ward, General Secretary

Kind regards,

Amie Retallick

Deputy Head of Communications, Engagement and Media

Email: aretallick@cwu.org

LTB 540/20 – FREE online film screening for CWU Members

RMG/CWU/”BRAKE” National Road Safety Week – “No Need To Speed” Campaign 16-22 Nov 2020:

Introduction:

Royal Mail Group, the CWU and Unite/CMA will be supporting the 2020 “BRAKE” Road Safety Charity’s annual national Road Safety Campaign from 16-22 November which this year has the theme “No Need To Speed”. The 2020 campaign will be about raising the awareness of all drivers, of Royal Mail, Parcelforce, RMP&FS and RMSS fleet vehicles, of the critically important issue of ensuring that they stick to speed limits, travel at safe speeds and understand why this is so important.

The campaign will concentrate on key messages to drivers and managers with the emphasis on how important it is for drivers to ensure that they don’t drive at excessive speed at any time.

Background:

While it might sound like an elementary campaign title, first-hand evidence underlines the fact that there is still a need for basic education of a significant proportion of drivers. There may be a minority who choose to ignore road safety messages but there’s good reason to believe a far larger number would act on the advice, if they were made aware of it. When it comes to road safety, it’s simple: ‘speed matters.’

In a crash, 1mph can mean the difference between life and death, but it’s known that people still regularly break speed limits or travel too fast for the conditions of the road. With someone injured on a UK road every four minutes, and vehicle speed playing a part in every crash, it’s time to come together to say that there is “No Need to Speed.”

This Road Safety Week (16–22 November) we are sharing the what, the why, and the where of speed, because whether you’re walking to work, riding or driving on a country lane or motorway or driving at work, the speed of traffic matters to your safety.

Why is speed so important? The formula is simple: the higher the speed, the longer the stopping distance, the harder the crash and the greater the risk of death and injury. “No Need to Speed” is a reminder to everyone of how the speed they travel affects other people.

Every time we’re on the road we need to consider what speed is appropriate to keep ourselves and others safe. Everyone knows that roads have speed limits, but do we understand what appropriate speed is, what leads some people to travel too fast, and what are the solutions that can make sure people move at safe speeds?

Speed also matters for our health and wellbeing – slower traffic can help make places feel more welcoming for the people who live, work and play in them. This can mean more people choosing to walk and cycle to get around and more people interacting with each other on the street, creating fitter, healthier and happier communities. This “Road Safety Week”, the aim is for everyone to learn that there is “No Need to Speed” and to find out just why speed matters for safe and healthy journeys whether its social, domestic, pleasure or work purposes. We want to create a better road environment by encouraging drivers to drive at safe speeds on healthy streets.

To Obtain a ‘Free’ “BRAKE” Road Safety Charity Campaign Pack go to: http://roadsafetyweek.org.uk/our-theme

Some ‘Excess Speed” Facts:

• Speed is one of the main factors in fatal road accidents.
• Around 6,000 people are killed or seriously injured in road accidents every year where ‘exceeding the speed limit’ or ‘travelling too fast for the conditions’ was recorded as a contributory factor by the Police.
• 800,000 drivers received a speeding fine and penalty points last year.
• Depending on the level of excessive speed above the limit, drivers can receive 3 to 6 penalty points and can be disqualified from driving and be fined up to £2,500.
• In the last 7 months, 877 Royal Mail and Parcelforce drivers were prosecuted for speeding violations whilst at work.

The Top 3 Notices of Intended Prosecution received by Royal Mail Drivers on duty in the last 7 months are as follows:

• Speeding 923
• Not wearing seatbelt 67
• DWDCA 30

CWU ASR Activity Guide & Checklist (Attached):

By following the daily activity guide and checklist, carrying out Safety Inspections at selected offices, and speaking to our drivers/members during w/c 16 November, ASRs can play a key role in helping to raise the profile of ‘excess speed’ during Road Safety Week for our members’ benefit by helping keep Royal Mail, Parcelforce, RMP&FS and RMSS drivers safe.

During the week, which is fully supported by the CWU/HQ Health, Safety & Environment Department, CWU ASRs will be fully involved and consulted in this Road Safety Week Campaign.  CWU/ASR full support and participation is much appreciated by Royal Mail, Parcelforce Worldwide, RMSS, RMP&FS and CWU HQ.

Benefits of the Campaign:

• Improved compliance with RMG Policy and Road Traffic Law.
• Increase awareness amongst drivers and managers.
• Reduction in road traffic collisions.

ASRs Should Agree With Operational Managers, Which Units Will Be Visited And Jointly Supported During The Road Safety/No Need To Speed Campaign, And:

• Assist the front-line manager in delivering the WTLL.
• Carry out additional safety inspections and spot check activities to increase awareness.
• Remind drivers to carry out their safety checks before they set out on their journeys during of Road Safety Week.

Engage CWU/Member Drivers:

• Use the Road Safety Campaign materials (attached) to talk to drivers about the importance of not speeding and safe driving.
• Check that drivers have received the WTLL briefing on ‘No Need To Speed’.
• Check drivers have seen the poster and leaflets (attached).
• Ask drivers – Do they follow Royal Mail policy on vehicle safety checks?
• Remind drivers of the Fleet Customer Helpline number: 0345 266 0005.

Engage Front Line Managers And Ask them:

• What activities have they completed for the ‘No Need To Speed’ Safety Campaign?
• Have they made all drivers aware of the actions they need to take?

Attachments:

• ASR ‘No Need To Speed’ Activity Guide & Checklist
• Road Safety Week/’No Need To Speed’ Safety Campaign Plan
• ‘No Need To Speed’ Safety Campaign Power Point Slide
• ‘No Need To Speed’ WTLL/Huddle for Road Safety Week
• Speeding – one-page brief for logistics drivers
• ‘No Need To Speed’ Safety Poster

Thanks for your support and assistance at this very difficult time.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 534/20 – RMG CWU BRAKE National Road Safety Week – No Need To Speed Campaign 16-22 Nov 2020

No Need To Speed Poster – FINAL

RS Speeding RS Campaign One Page brief – FINAL 9th Nov 20

SHE Huddle FY20 015 No Need To Speed -FINAL 9th Nov 2020

Slide for No Need To Speed – FINAL – 9th Nov

Speeding August 2020 ASR – FINAL 9th Nov 20

Speeding- one-page brief for logistics drivers – FINAL 9th Nov 20

Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash – Ineffective and Unofficial Repair To a Perspex Panel on a MK4 York Container Causing an Unnecessary Workforce Hazard:

Introduction and Background:

A Safety Flash has been issued by the Royal Mail Group Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Team (copy attached), following a recent incident in a Mail Centre when an Mk4 York Container Perspex panel broke open hitting an employee.

Description of the Incident and Key Issues: 

An unauthorised and inadequate temporary repair was undertaken to re-fix a broken Perspex panel on a Mk4 York Container, leaving it in a dangerous condition.

After being fully loaded on to a PSM and under the weight and bulk of the parcels contained inside, the Perspex panel gave way and sprung open with some force hitting an employee. Parcels then fell out of the York Container striking the foot of the employee also.

Key Management Activities and Learning Points:

• Always complete a check of a York Container’s condition before use
• Follow the Safe System Of Work at all times
• Ensure that the MK4 York SSOW is understood and followed by all employees
• Display the Safety Flash on the office SHE Notice board

Attachment:

• Copy of RMG SHE Safety Flash FY20 020 ‘Mk 4 York Container Repairs’

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 536/20 – RMG (SHE) Safety Flash – Ineffective and Unofficial Repair To a Perspex Panel on a MK4 York Container

SHE Flash FY20 020 – MK4 Yorks

Royal Mail Fleet Workshops Reception Areas – Coronavirus/Covid-19 Health & Safety Risk Controls –Installation of Screens to Support Social Distancing:

Further to LTBs 324/20, 334/20 and 378/20 in relation to the agreement with Royal Mail for screen installations in CSPs and reception areas, representations have continued to Royal Mail Fleet Services and Royal Mail Property and Facilities Services to extend screen installation to Royal Mail Fleet Services reception areas as an additional strengthening of current Coronavirus/COVID-19 social distancing risk controls, with the country now well into a second wave of the pandemic and the daily death and new case rate reaching up to 500 and 25,000 respectively.

An urgent feasibility study of the Fleet Workshops for an urgent screen installation programme was requested by the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department to help tackle the ever growing dangerous pandemic situation and as a long-term positive investment for the future and general improvement to safety, security and hygiene standards.

The business has responded positively reporting that screens can now be requested at Fleet workshops if sites are struggling to maintain 2M social distancing controls effectively with visitors and that a RM Fleet area manager briefing will shortly be taking place to this end. RM Fleet has previously reminded workshops of best practice within the reception areas in detail.

Fleet workshops have been informed of the process for requesting screens via the “Non Planned Improvements (NPI)” process and each RMF area is consolidating their site specific needs and submitting these through for approval, with RMP&FS having confirmed that they will support these requests by working with each site’s request via their normal process. Some Fleet workshop sites already have screens in place.

Any Management Information requests should be directed to Richard Wiggins RMG Fleet SHE Business Partner: Tel: 07711 411675Email: Richard.wiggins@royalmail.com

All CWU enquiries should be directed to the CWU/HQ Health, Safety & Environment Department.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 535/20 – RMG Fleet Workshop Reception Areas – Installation of Screens to Support Social Distancing

Royal Mail Group – Latest Updated Coronavirus/Covid-19 – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Guidance Document (Version 65) (Including Mandatory Face Masks Introduction Page 2):

I attach for your information Version 65 of the Royal Mail Group, Managers’ Coronavirus/Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Guidance document, issued by the business on 6 November 2020.

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 cascaded throughout the business.

The Coronavirus Guidance, version 65 Q&A document has been shared with the Union’s Health, Safety & Environment Department and is hereby circulated for information and reference purposes for CWU Health and Safety and Branch IR Reps.

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.

Please note that changes and additions from the previous version are highlighted in ‘Yellow’.

Please also note that these Q & A documents are ‘Royal Mail Group’ documents and all the contents are not agreed with the CWU.

NOTE: MANDATORY FACE MASKS INTRODUCTION

On page 2 of the latest Coronavirus/Covid-19 Q&A document Version 65 reference is made to Royal Mail’s decision to introduce mandatory face coverings in all Royal Mail Group indoor workplaces from Monday, 9th November 2020. Although not compulsory outside, RM also supports and actively encourages the use of face coverings in all outdoor settings to keep employees and customers safe (e.g., public buildings, business receptions, blocks of flats). Face coverings do not replace other preventative measures, i.e., increased hand hygiene, social distancing, increased cleaning, etc., which must remain in place. A move to mandatory face coverings in all indoor workplaces strengthens the existing preventative measures already in place to protect the workforce and others from Coronavirus/Covid-19 and supports the RMG risk management strategy which the company is responsible for under health and safety legislation. This is a view shared by regulatory bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive and many local authorities. RMG have already seen some excellent examples where indoor workplaces are wearing face coverings and uptake has been good. Full face mask and face covering guidance is available with a link from the Q&A document. Posters to display this requirement are also being displayed. The law provides discretion to people who have a health condition, a disability and other groups. These will not always be visible, so CSP employees should continue to serve all people who enter CSPs, including those not wearing face coverings. (The CWU is supporting Royal Mail Group’s introduction of ‘mandatory’ face coverings due to government, medical and scientific guidance and the soaring number of Coronavirus/Covid-19 cases, deaths, hospital admissions and workplace outbreaks across the country).

The Health, Safety & Environment Department continues in dialogue with the Royal Mail Group Safety Health & Environment Team to raise questions, additions and amendments to the Q&A document.

Any enquiries to this LTB or feedback on the RMG Q&A document should be directed to Dave Joyce CWU National Health, Safety & Environment Officer.

Attachment:

Coronavirus Guidance Questions and Answers V65.

Contents List:

1. HEALTH

1. Prevention
2. Self-isolation, testing and reporting
3. Cleaning and consumables
4. Travel
5. Support and advice
6. POLICY 

1. General guidance
2. Travel/and annual holiday
3. Caring for dependants
4. Sick pay
5. Attendance process
6. Vulnerable employees
7. POST & PARCELS 

1. General Ops advice
2. NHS testing kits
3. Operational processes and reporting changes
4. Delivering and collecting from customers
5. Fleet and vehicles

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 533/20 – RMG – Latest Updated CoronavirusCovid-19 – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Guidance Document (Version 65)

Coronavirus Guidance Questions and Answers v65

Royal Mail Introduction of Mandatory Face Mask Wearing in Indoor Work Situations

In light of the recent worsening Covid-19 circumstances, Royal Mail and the Union have agreed this new measure and are urging full compliance by members, with the crucially important caveat that this must not replace other preventative, risk control measures.

In contrast to the first lockdown, the wearing of face masks is now commonplace in any under-the-roof area where people are together – be it on public transport or in shops.

So clearly we would support this as part of a holistic approach to the safety of our members to stop the spread of the virus and to save lives, and that people who are able to do so, wear masks in the workplace.

Therefore, the disciplines that were in place during the first lockdown should be rigorously enforced once again, along with the wearing of face masks for those able to do so i.e., high levels of hygiene, hand washing regularly, use of sanitiser and disinfectant wipes, two-metre social distancing, all PPE in place and high levels of cleanliness for all equipment and buildings.

The CWU supports all of these key, important safety measures being applied so long as they are applied with equal status, and local reps and members should be fully involved, keeping check and demanding that all of these safety measures are in place.

The CWU is supporting this decision, subject to ongoing discussions, for a number of very important reasons – as we have all seen and heard on the news of the nationwide rise in infections, deaths and hospitalisations and the return to lockdown in England, following on from many areas of the country imposing increased restrictions including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

As well as the general situation, the incidents of workplace infections have, according to the TUC, risen by an alarming 125 per cent over the recent period and, with the imminent ‘Christmas Pressure’ period and the arrival of an estimated 30,000-plus seasonal casual workers soon to start in Royal Mail, this new measure is of extreme importance.

As well as insisting that the ‘mandatory masks’ measure is not an end in itself and does not replace other existing preventative, risk control measures, the union is also pressing for the urgent introduction of a workplace weekly testing regime which is currently under discussion with Royal Mail and government agencies. CWU/HQ has formally put this forward to Royal Mail Group in order to further improve safety, and reduce workplace transmissions and infections – as well as giving a huge reassurance to the workforce at this tough time.

It has been agreed that masks will not be compulsory while working outside – or when seated to eat or drink in rest rooms during breaks – that visors will be provided, that masks will be changed frequently and not limited, and that medical and other specified exemptions will be applied where appropriate.

There will also be appropriate arrangements for those who rely on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions.

A video message on this subject featuring Dave Joyce CWU National Health and Safety Officer and Shaun Davis, Royal Mail compliance & sustainability officer can be viewed at this link on CWU Website: https://www.cwu.org/news/royal-mail-workers-wearing-masks-keeping-safe-keeping-healthy/

Further updates will follow.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 532/20 – Royal Mail Introduction of Mandatory Face Mask Wearing in Indoor Work Situations

ROYAL MAIL GROUP – PEOPLE APP 

Royal Mail Group recently informed the DGS(P) Department of their intention to develop a People App which they consider to be a tool that would help to improve employee engagement. It was also evident following reports from the field that a number of units were being asked to become involved in pilot activity relating to this technology. As a result the Department requested a meeting with the business.

On 22^nd October 2020 the DGS(P) Department met with Harriet Bradley and Lindsay Holmes-Sykes of the Strategy and Services area of the business to discuss what the People App would mean for our members.

Branches should note that during this meeting management confirmed that the People App is a voluntary digital tool that individual members will be able to access through a strict registration and logging in process. This is a non-mandatory App that can be deleted in the same manner as any other App and has no GPS tracking capability. Once an individual has downloaded and accessed the App they will then be able to access their own personal work information such as payslips and details about their annual leave. The data provided will relate to that individual only and will not be accessible by management or other colleagues.

Royal Mail Group have gone through a build phase that involved a ‘Beta Group’ of 65 frontline employees, including managers, and are now in a position to pilot the App in a number of varying business units throughout the United Kingdom. They intend to commence the pilots to circa 5,000 people in mid/late November after using various mediums ahead of this activity to promote the App such as e-mails, letters to home addresses and socially distanced workplace events.

Branches are advised that the pilot activity is expected to last for around six weeks and be used to gain feedback around potential improvements to the App that will then be rolled out at the beginning of 2021.

Following a meeting of the Postal Executive on 27^th October 2020 a questionnaire was sent to the business that focused on how the People App would be used. A response to each question has now been received and the full list of questions and answers are attached (Attachment 1). Branches should note that this information should be used to inform local Representatives of the union’s stance on this App.

In addition the Department arranged for the business to give a presentation on 6^thNovember 2020 to a number of lead Senior Field Officials to ensure that they were fully informed of this activity and given the opportunity to pose further questions and comments. The Royal Mail Group slides that were used at this meeting are attached (Attachment 2).

Finally, as with all initiatives of this kind, it is important that we are able to feedback comments and concerns to management through a national lead. Branches should therefore note that Postal Executive member Katrina Quirke has agreed to oversee this activity on behalf of the DGS(P) Department with the remit of ensuring that our collective agreements are not undermined by this initiative from Royal Mail Group.

Branches will be advised of further developments as and when they occur.

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

Yours sincerely,

Terry Pullinger

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                                                                                    

LTB 532/20 – Royal Mail Group People App

LTB 532/20 – Attachment 1 – People App Q&A

LTB 532/20 – Attachment 2 – People App Introduction – FINAL CWU

AGREEMENT BETWEEN CWU & PARCELFORCE WORLDWIDE ON 2020 AUTUMN PRESSURE AND CHRISTMAS REMUNERATION PROPOSALS FOR ALL CWU GRADE DEPOT EMPLOYEES

Branches and representatives will be aware that in previous years, agreement has been reached with Parcelforce Worldwide in relation to incentive arrangements for volunteers to attend on the Saturdays and Sundays in Depots in the run up to Christmas.

In line with this tradition discussions have been taking place with the business in regard to the arrangements for 2020. Attached for your information is the Agreement between CWU & Parcelforce Worldwide on 2020 Autumn Pressure and Christmas Remuneration Proposals for all CWU Grade Depot Employees, which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive.

As in Royal Mail, with the continuing impact of Covid-19 on customer habits and operational arrangements Parcelforce are anticipating record volumes and demand over the peak period. Given this, to provide proper incentive and reward for our members and in recognition of their commitment throughout the Covid-19 period and the size of the challenge, we have argued for and achieved a significant uplift in the available incentives for this year.

As in previous years the agreement defines incentive arrangements for volunteers to attend on the Saturdays and Sundays over the four weekends in the run up to Christmas. However, in light of the current traffic forecasts for this year, we have agreed that there will be three levels of incentive.

A Standard Commitment to two attendances (minimum six hours) mirroring previous years arrangements, attracting a single payment of £38, the same amount as last year.

An Enhanced Commitment to three attendances (minimum six hours) attracting a single payment of £60. Both these incentives will be available to employees volunteering to cover C&D, Indoor and Admin duties.

In addition, there will be a Further Enhanced Commitment to perform C&D on three attendances (minimum eight hours) attracting a single payment of £100.

This opportunity will be available to all employees willing to drive and who have the necessary skills and training. The business has agreed to provide familiarization training for any individual wishing to volunteer.

Only one payment can be received by any individual based on the level of commitment given. However in all cases where the commitment is made and the hours are performed, each hour will also attract an hourly rate of £21.50, which is equivalent to double the normal rate.

In respect to the Seasonal Traffic Recirculation, colleagues will note that the additional payment for drivers who agree to follow the work also remains at £38, the same as last year.

Unlike Royal Mail, Parcelforce have decided not to run an operation on either the 26th or 27th of December. They have therefore agreed that duty holders due to attend on those days will not be required to do so and will not have to make up the time. 

In Scotland Parcelforce are not seeking to move the non-service day to Saturday, 2nd January and as such Monday, 4th January remains the Bank Holiday and normal BH arrangements will apply. 

Obviously, given the significant increases in remuneration this year, the business is very keen to stress that this agreement does not necessarily set the benchmark for future years and as such we have agreed that the arrangements will be subject to joint review.

The department believes that the agreement will undoubtedly be welcomed by our Parcelforce Representatives and members.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 106A.11.

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary

LTB 531/20

Attachment 1 – Agreement on PFW Autumn Pressure and Christmas Remuneration 09.11.20

Royal Mail Christmas Arrangements 2020/21 – Christmas Pay Timetable & Pay Advice (PPD 8.4)

Branches and representatives will be aware that the Christmas Arrangements document attached to LTB 513/20 contained in Section 8, Pay Arrangements, clarification that the Christmas Pay Timetable was to be communicated separately. A copy of this timetable is now attached for your assistance.

Also attached for your information is additional documentation that has been provided by the business in the form of their Peak Planning Document 8.4, which as in previous years provides guidance on the processes for:

– Temporary Increase in Hours for Part-Time Operational Grades

– How to pay Casuals

– Policy and Guide for Schedule Attendance Holiday Pay

– Policy for Christmas Pay Supplement

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to:

Processing/Distribution: Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.orgquoting reference 706A.13

Deliveries/Collections: Mark Baulch, Assistant Secretary, email: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org quoting reference 170.

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary

Mark Baulch
Assistant Secretary

LTB 530/20
Attachment 1 – Christmas Pay Dates 2020
Attachment 2 – 8.4 PPD Pay Advice 2020

POST OFFICE: JOINT STATEMENT – COMPULSORY WEARING OF FACE COVERINGS AND CLINICALLY EXTREMELY VULNERABLE

Branches and members are advised that due to increasing levels of Covid-19 infections across the UK, the Post Office, CWU and Unite have jointly agreed to put in place, until further notice, the compulsory wearing of face coverings for members working in Crown Offices and indoor operations in Supply Chain.

I want to stress that the measure to introduce compulsory wearing of face coverings is not an end in itself and does not replace other preventative, risk control measures and must be seen as one of the steps to safer working and a Covid-19 Secure workplace. The compulsory wearing of masks will give our members added personal protection and will work in conjunction with:

• PPE
• Social distancing measures
• Robust risk assessments
• Regular and comprehensive sanitising fogging (cleaning) arrangements
• Effective reporting processes already in place throughout the Post Office.

Clinically Extremely Vulnerable – Paid Special Leave

As a further precaution, members that are classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable will be placed on paid special leave from Thursday 5th November for the four weeks of the lockdown period. For Admin members who are able to work from home, this arrangement will continue.

Attached is a Joint Statement to our members in Crown Offices outlining the health conditions that fall into the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable category. It also highlights further safe ways of working that help to reduce risk as well as reiterates our commitment to making the operations in the workplace as Covid secure as possible.

As the arrangements agreed are generic across the Post Office, our members in Supply Chain have received similar communications, albeit in two separate Joint Statements.

Regular Covid Engagement Meetings

The overriding objective of both CWU and Post Office is our members’ health, safety and well-being in the workplace. Consequently, since the initial lockdown in March, we have put apparatus in place whereby we discuss Covid-19 with management on at least three separate occasions per week. We will continue to carefully monitor all developments from Government and where appropriate raise with management if it is in the best interests of our members’ well-being.

Finally, I would like to thank Lynn Simpson, Postal Executive member, for her endeavours in working with management on the measures and policies contained within these Joint Statements.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

LTB 529/20 – Post Office – Joint Statement – Compulsory Wearing of Face Coverings and Clinically Extremely Vulnerable

Attachment 1 to LTB 529/20