IMPORTANT UPDATE – Joint statement between RMG and CWU
Latest from the Branch
TERMS OF REFERENCE BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL FLEET AND THE CWU ON DEPLOYMENT OF AN ELECTRIC TAXI VAN FROM LONDON ELECTRIC VEHICLE COMPANY
TERMS OF REFERENCE BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL FLEET AND THE CWU ON DEPLOYMENT OF AN ELECTRIC TAXI VAN FROM LONDON ELECTRIC VEHICLE COMPANY
Branches will recall LTB 454/2017 and LTB 641/2017 advising the Introduction of 100 LE2 Peugeot Partner Electric Vehicles across a number of Delivery Offices in the UK. For some considerable time, the issue of vehicle emissions, pollution and the impact on health, the environment and global warming have been increasingly coming into focus and have recently been at the international centre of attention, specifically in the UK.
There are circa 290 electric vehicles in the fleet that are currently testing the capabilities as well as the impact this will have on the grid to sustain available power. With an increasing number of Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) in cities across the UK, the challenge to reduce carbon emissions and help improve air quality in the communities in which we operate, is increasingly important to CWU and the customers we serve.
The department has been approached to further test a vehicle that is based on the London Taxi which has world-wide recognition for durability in urban areas and replicates the stop-start collection and delivery of the current light commercial vehicle, or LCV panel vans. The London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) have offered Royal Mail a vehicle ‘free of charge’ to test, which has a range extender (36 litre petrol tank) and is therefore suitable for longer routes & duties giving a total range of 340 miles and a pure EV range of 50-70 miles. Such a vehicle can deliver tangible benefits to Royal Mail whilst helping to reduce their overall carbon footprint. As the Zero Emission Zones expands and the focus on reducing our emissions, we need to have options available that offer a greater range than just pure electric. The purpose of the trial therefore is to help inform future purchasing decisions for electric vehicles.
The trial will only involve one vehicle which will be deployed at 6 sites across the UK for 2 weeks at a time. All units identified also currently have electric vehicles already based on site, so charging posts are readily available and will not impede upon the existing electric fleet. The vehicle currently offers access to the loading compartment which in this model, is via the nearside door but can be reconstructed depending on feedback.
Branches will also note that the loading compartment looks very much like the rear of a London cab which is due mainly to the purpose of the trial, i.e. the rear compartment can of course be stripped out completely with the loading door(s) being repositioned, depending on the feedback from the Drivers, around loading and access.
Ongoing information will be available and shared at the Joint Royal Mail Fleet Operational Specification Group (RMFOS) meetings. The trial will be jointly overseen and monitored by RM Fleet Innovation and the Environment Manager, who will provide periodic reports to the CWU both locally and nationally. The trial activity will be the subject of joint review 6 months after commencement and periodically thereafter, as agreed by the Royal Mail Fleet Operational Specification group (RMFOS).
Full involvement of local CWU reps in all aspects of the trial with appropriate Union release time, will work with the local project team. Training will be supplied by a Fleet Technical Engineer at each site for Drivers who have already undertaken the electric vehicle course and a Safe System of Work guidance provided by the CWU Health and Safety Department. The Working Group will provide the outputs of the review and recommendations to the signatories of this Joint Statement. Should the development of the trial be considered a success, it will be subject to further discussion at National level prior to deployment.
Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 300, email address: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org.
Yours sincerely,
Mark Baulch
CWU Assistant Secretary
LTB 351-20 TOR for the deployment of a Taxi Van from LEVC
TOR for the deployment of an electric Taxi Van from LEVC
Attachment for EV London Taxi
BT Group Business Services Proposes Site Closures
BT Group Business Services Proposes Site Closures
Group Business Services which includes Contract Delivery Services, Group Customer Billing, Group Business Assurance and Process Excellence & Automation has announced its key sites for the future.
GBS intends to move to six key sites by March 2024 with some other specialist sites. About 40 existing GBS sites including Crawley, Reading and Sevenoaks are not in the GBS plans.
The CWU will be doing all we can to keep as many jobs as possible in GBS, onshore work, maximise redeployment across BT, and opposing compulsory redundancies.
Further details are included in the attached CWU newsletter and BT communication.
Branches are asked to ensure that members in GBS are sent a copy of the CWU newsletter.
Yours sincerely
Nigel Cotgrove
Assistant Secretary
POST OFFICE: COVID-19 – VULNERABLE PEOPLE POLICY
POST OFFICE: COVID-19 – VULNERABLE PEOPLE POLICY
I wish to update Branches with regards to the attached Joint Statements agreed for the return to work of members in the vulnerable categories who have been self-isolating and/or shielding on ‘Special Paid Leave’ since March.
Government guidance for some time has been that people in the ‘clinically vulnerable’category and those who ‘live with extremely clinically vulnerable’ people could go to work, albeit taking extra care due to their circumstances.
On June 19th, the government lowered the Covid-19 alert level to level 3 and on June 22nd, the government announced that people who are clinically extremely vulnerable and are currently shielding would no longer need to do so from August 1st in England.
As a response to the latest announcements, we have been working with Post Office and Unite to agree a way forward that facilitates the return to work of these members which is sensitive and empathetic thus helping them to feel confident in the knowledge that their safety and well-being in the workplace is an absolute priority.
The two Joint Statements for Crown Offices and Supply Chain (which are identical in content), explain the agreed timeline and flight-path of the crucial activities that need to be carried out by line managers before members are able to return to work.
Consequently, we have agreed that members who fall into the categories below will begin returning to work during July:
• Clinically vulnerable
• Living with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable
Members who are ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ will begin returning to work during August and will remain on paid special leave throughout July. The aim is that everyone is back at work by the beginning of September. Where there are differences across the UK regarding the lifting of shielding rules, members will return according to the protocols in the relevant country.
An integral and important part of the Joint Statements is a firm commitment that the activities below will be undertaken by line managers in advance of these members returning to the workplace. It is imperative our Representatives ensure that in all circumstances the following actions are performed as a pre-requisite to these members returning to full duties. Any problems encountered in this regard should be immediately reported to Lynn Simpson, Postal Executive member – lsimpson@cwu.org who is liaising with Senior Post Office Management in these matters.
• Workplace Risk Assessments
• Individual Risk Assessments
• 121 conversations to gauge the needs and support individuals may need
• Familiarisation of the operational changes to facilitate social distancing
• Half day induction
In closing, I am certain the agreed arrangements as contained within the Joint Statements are to the benefit of our members. It is though important that our Reps engage with management to ensure the agreed measures are followed in full. I also wish to thank Lynn Simpson who has engaged with Post Office management on this matter and other Covid-19 related issues. Branches and Representatives are urged to bring this LTB to the attention of Post Office members (particularly those in the categories described above).
Yours sincerely
Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary
Action Mesothelioma Day 2020 – Friday 3 July 2020
Action Mesothelioma Day 2020 – Friday 3 July 2020
Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer caused by breathing in asbestos dust.
Mesothelioma takes a long time to develop. It’s normal for people to get the first symptoms 30 to 40 years after they were first exposed to asbestos. See the attached excellent Mesothelioma Information and Factsheet produced with the co-operation of the British Lung Foundation who along with Asthma UK organise ‘Action Mesothelioma Day’. The Information and Factsheet covers; What is Mesothelioma? What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma? How is Mesothelioma diagnosed? How is Mesothelioma treated? Support for Mesothelioma victims.
This deadly asbestos-related cancer continues to kill thousands every year and there is no let-up in the annual UK death toll of around 2,500, with a similar number being diagnosed every year as having got it.
Action Mesothelioma Day is commemorated every year on the first Friday in July to remember the tens of thousands of people in the UK who have died from Mesothelioma. However, these are not normal times due to the Coronavirus/Covid-19 Pandemic and government lockdown restrictions, and the events and gatherings which are normally organised will not take place this year. However, The UK Mesothelioma Alliance (UKMA) will be hosting a Virtual Mesothelioma event on the day.
Virtual Mesothelioma Day Event Friday 3 July 2020, 10:40-12:00 Organised By The UK Mesothelioma Alliance (UKMA):
The UKMA is producing a national virtual Action Mesothelioma Day event that we encourage anyone interested or affected by Mesothelioma to join. The national virtual event will include a mix of patient stories and clinical expert presentations. It will run from 10.40am to 12 noon with the observation of a minutes’ silence at 11am. The UKMA would also like to help promote local Action Mesothelioma Day 2020 events. (See Event Flyer attached).
To join the event, follow this link:
https://www.ukmesoalliance.org/projects/virtual-action-mesothelioma-day-2020/
Order of Events (10:40-12:00)
- Welcome Dawn McKinley, Chair of UK Mesothelioma Alliance
- A minute of silence
- Nursing support Sarah Morgan, Mesothelioma Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Patient voice Mavis Nye
- Clinical Trials Professor Sanjay Popat, Consultant Thoracic Medical Oncologist at the Royal Marsden Hospital and Professor of Thoracic Oncology at the Institute of Cancer Research
- Asbestos awarenessDavid Gold, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Vice-President
- Patient Voice Paul Cook
- Thanks & Close Dawn McKinley
Action Mesothelioma events are normally organised across the UK by a number of organisations, supported by trade unions including the CWU, The Hazards Campaign Network, asbestos lawyers, asbestos campaigners, the London Hazards Centre, Manchester Hazards Centre and victims’ families and friends. These events both commemorate and remember the people that have died from asbestos related diseases and usually involve victims’ families and expert speakers on the subject. Campaigning for the removal of all asbestos in the UK by the TUC, Trade Unions, Hazards and anti-asbestos organisations continues nevertheless despite the Coronavirus Pandemic and government lockdown measures.
Action Mesothelioma Day provides a platform for trade unions and health and safety campaigners to show solidarity with the Mesothelioma victims and their families. It provides the opportunity to raise the profile of the continuing asbestos dangers, a disease which is entirely preventable and which leaves behind devastated families feeling a deep sense of loss and anger that the life of a loved one has been cut short. It is the families of Mesothelioma victims who bear the greatest financial cost. HSE statistics show that families pay 57%, the state (taxpayers) 23%, leaving criminally negligent employers who cause the harm just 20%.
Mesothelioma is a preventable disease that with proper safety measures in place would be in decline. But the thousands of people that die a painful death each year are victims of inadequate safety procedures and sadly the criminal failings of some employers who do not properly manage health and safety where asbestos is and who have scant regard for their workers.
Although asbestos was finally banned from being used in the UK in 1999, it can be found in buildings everywhere. If a house or workplace was built before the 1980s, it is likely to have some asbestos-containing materials in its structure. It is estimated that around 70% of schools have asbestos in them. An under-funded HSE, workers without a trade union in precarious employment, in a culture of fear, zero-hours, agency working and false self-employment are all part of a working environment fraught with danger for workers and allowing the worst of employers to literally get away with murder.
Certain occupations are at greater risk of breathing in asbestos fibres. Construction and demolition workers, heating & ventilation engineers, plasterers, carpenters, joiners, plumbers, roofing contractors, demolition crews, painters, pipe fitters, maintenance workers and increasingly teachers employed in old school buildings. It’s not unusual to get the first symptoms 30 to 40 years after being first exposed to asbestos. Children being exposed to asbestos in schools are more at risk of developing Mesothelioma because of their greater life expectancy.
Sometimes described as the silent epidemic, Mesothelioma will still be the cause of thousands of deaths long after Coronavirus is under control unless urgent action is taken.
The failure to act quickly enough in response to asbestos dangers over the years has cost thousands of workers lives.
We need a properly funded, resourced and expertly staffed Health and Safety Executive with more field force inspectors, strictly enforcing health and safety laws, free from the government interference seen over the last decade, if we are to stop people inhaling asbestos fibres for good. Action Mesothelioma Day is an opportunity to reflect on the lives lost and also continue our commitment in the CWU to continue fighting for our members to protect them and future generations from this deadly disease and other asbestos related diseases.
Mesothelioma Facts:
- At present no effective treatment or cure exists for Mesothelioma.
- Mesothelioma is a rare and incurable form of cancer, caused almost exclusively through the inhalation of asbestos fibres.
- Worldwide around 40,000 people die every year from Mesothelioma, a fatal asbestos-related cancer.
- The HSE expects deaths from Mesothelioma to continue to rise for the next four to five years.
- Asbestos was used very extensively all the way up to 1999 when it was finally banned in the UK.
- 100,000 tonnes of asbestos containing materials still exists in UK buildings built before 2000.
- There are three main types of asbestos – blue, brown and white. Blue is the most toxic but no type is safe.
- In the UK, blue and brown asbestos materials were banned outright in 1985 while the import, sale and reuse of white asbestos was outlawed in 1999 by the Tony Blair led Labour Government.
- Asbestos related diseases are; Pleural disease (diffuse thickening or plaques), Asbestosis (scarring of the lungs and inflamed airways), Lung Cancer (Tumours) and Mesothelioma (Cancer of the lining of the Lungs or Abdomen).
UK Asbestos Law
Employers are legally bound to survey, identify and manage or remove asbestos- containing materials in their buildings and those employing workers must find out if asbestos-containing materials are present and plan the work to avoid disturbing these materials and exposing workers. Workers should stop and ask if they are unsure or are suspicious that something may be asbestos or if they think the work might need to be carried out by a licensed contractor. They should follow the plan of work and work method statement and safe system of work making sure they have been properly trained and informed before they start. Further detailed information and advice is available from the CWU HQ Health, Safety & Environment department, Health and Safety Executive and Local Authority Environmental Health Departments.
British Lung Foundation and The Taskforce for Lung Health
The British Lung Foundation aims to prevent lung disease by campaigning for positive change in the UK’s lung health, raising awareness about lung disease, the dangers that cause it, and how to look after your lungs. The Taskforce for Lung Health involves 30 organisations plus individuals, including the NHS, charities and professional organisations who together have adopted a five year plan and framework to improve the nation’s lung health and provide better care for people with lung disease.
British Lung Foundation’s Action Mesothelioma Day Website: https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/mesothelioma/action-mesothelioma-day
Attachments:
- Mesothelioma Information Fact Sheet
- Taskforce For Lung Health Members
- UKMA Virtual Action Mesothelioma Day 2020 Event Flyer
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
20LTB346 Action Mesothelioma Day 2020 – Friday 3 July 2020
Mesothelioma Information and Factsheet (BLF-2020)
CWU BRANCH RETIRED MEMBERS OFFICERS – ONLINE MEETING 14TH JULY 3PM
CWU BRANCH RETIRED MEMBERS OFFICERS – ONLINE MEETING 14TH JULY 3PM
We have organised an online event for CWU Retired members Branch Officers. The meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday 14th July at 3pm.
The meeting is open to all Branch Retired members’ officers and Branch Secretaries. It is vital that as many Branches as possible are in attendance so please bring the content of this LTB to the attention of your respective officials ASAP.
During the meeting we will update officials on the work the CWU has undertaken during the pandemic, our priorities over the coming months and of course, we will take any questions from Branches.
The log in details for the meeting are as follows:-
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84165621493?pwd=dHJ6eGNxUXgyaDZ6SlcrcTMvUks5QT09
Meeting ID: 841 6562 1493 Password: 068152
We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the day.
Yours sincerely,
Dave Ward
General Secretary
Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary
POST OFFICE: DC PENSION SCHEME – ONLINE SEMINARS
POST OFFICE: DC PENSION SCHEME – ONLINE SEMINARS
Branches are advised that the Post Office is planning to run an online pensions seminar on two occasions – 8th and 15th July regarding the Post Office Pension Plan (Defined Contribution scheme) in conjunction with the provider, Scottish Widows.
A Joint Statement containing the full details has been published today and is reproduced below:
Joint Statement from CWU, Post Office and Unite
Defined Contribution Pension Plan – Online Seminar with
Scottish Widows
Dear Colleague,
We jointly believe that pensions are a really important part of your benefits and to continue supporting your understanding of the Post Office Pension Plan, as well as bringing you up to date information, we have partnered with Scottish Widows to deliver a defined contribution pension seminar to you in July.
Back in May, you will have received your Scottish Widows Annual Benefit Statement as well as a copy of our first Post Office Pension Plan newsletter. We hope that you found the newsletter informative and by joining this online seminar, we hope it will further enhance your knowledge of the plan.
Please look out for the invitation to the online seminar in the coming days. There will be two opportunities to attend the session (the content will be the same), Wednesday 8th July and Wednesday 15th July, both at 1pm. If you are unable to attend the seminar at the specific date and time, please do not worry – the session will be recorded and you will be able to play this back at your own convenience.
If you have any questions about this communication please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Post Office Reward Team at RewardTeam@postoffice.co.uk or your Union representative.
Yours sincerely,
Maxine Cross Phil Savage Andy Furey
Head of Reward Unite the Union Assistant Secretary
Post Office CWU
Branches and Representatives are asked to bring this matter to the attention of our Post Office members and encourage them where possible to join one of these informative pensions seminars or to watch the recording at a later date. The joining instructions are attached for ease of reference.
Yours sincerely,
Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary
LTB 347/20 – Post Office – DC Pension Scheme – Online Seminar
Attachment 1 to 20 LTB347 – Scottish Widows Post Office Pension Seminar Instructions
Royal Mail – Movement of Sorting Frames
Royal Mail – Movement of Sorting Frames
A growing number of enquiries have been received from Branches and Area Health and Safety Reps in relation to this issue and as to whether local management teams have the authority to move sorting frames around offices and re-organise office layouts during the current Coronavirus Covid-19 Pandemic in order to achieve and comply with social distancing guidance etc.
This issue has again been raised by the Health, Safety & Environment Department with Royal Mail HQ and as a result the attached “Delivery Take Action – Mandatory Instruction” has been issued to all managers.
This Instruction:
- Reminds all managers that sorting frames must not be moved by local teams.
- Instructs managers that sorting frames and fixtures can only be moved by contractors authorised by Royal Mail Group Property.
- Informs managers that if frames have been moved locally, the frames must be inspected and checked to ensure there are no obvious signs of damage or instability, following a 6-point check-list.
- Asks managers to report all problems to the Royal Mail Group Property Helpdesk for further assistance.
- Informs managers that any damaged or unstable frames must be taken out of use immediately, until the frames have been checked, rectified and passed as suitable for use by RMP&FS contractors.
- Instructs managers that where frame moves have resulted in a change to the use of the office space/layout, they must review the Office Fire Risk Assessment and associated evacuation plan, plus the Workplace Onsite Risk Assessment.
- Some offices have been designated to receive a more formalised inspection programme and managers at these offices will be contacted and notified by an engineer. The Safety Check-List in the communication should still be followed until an engineer is able to visit the offices.
In all cases, Sorting Frames must not be moved again without using competent contractors via the Royal Mail Property & Facilities Services Helpdesk.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Use of Private Cycles on Delivery
Use of Private Cycles on Delivery
A number of enquiries have been received from Branches and Area Health and Safety Reps in relation to this issue and as to whether staff can use private cycles on delivery. For clarification please note that the position and policy of Royal Mail is set out in the latest Coronavirus Guidance – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers – Q&As on Page 16 as follows:
Q: Can postmen use cycles to convey to their first point of delivery?
A: No, cycles are not permitted for use on delivery unless by exception they are part of an approved duty structure implemented by the RMG planning team.
It should be noted that under Health and Safety Legislation, namely PUWER (the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998), Employers are responsible for the safety of all work equipment which is any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work, which would include vehicles and cycles etc., and this includes privately owned equipment which employees provide for their own use at work. Employers would be duty bound to ensure the equipment safe, suitable, fit for the purpose it is used or provided for, ensure the work equipment is maintained in an efficient working order and in good repair and that those using the equipment are capable of using it safely. Any plan to introduce work equipment requires, under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR) 1999, a full risk assessment to be carried out, in consultation with the Trade Union Safety Representative, in good time, with the Safety Representatives input taken fully into account.
Yours sincerely,
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Latest Royal Mail Group Coronavirus Covid-19 Guidance/Q&A Document (Version 45)
Latest Royal Mail Group Coronavirus Covid-19 Guidance/Q&A Document (Version 45)
I attach for your information Version 45 of the Royal Mail Group Coronavirus Covid-19 Guidance – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers document, issued by the business on Friday 26 June 2020.
The Health, Safety & Environment Department continues in dialogue with the Royal Mail Group Safety Health & Environment Team to raise additions and amendments to the Q&A document.
Any enquiries to this LTB should be directed to Dave Joyce National Health, Safety & Environment Officer.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
LTB 342/20 – Latest Royal Mail Group Coronavirus Covid-19 Guidance Q&A Document (Version 45)
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 