REVISED BRANCH MODEL CONSTITUTION 
During the course of the year we have received a number of queries from branches on the issue of the eligibility of a retired member to vote in local branch elections. 
This issue was brought to the attention of the President, Vice President and subsequently discussed by the NEC. Following their consideration, the NEC approved a revised Branch Model Constitution (BMC). The changes made reflect the national rules of the union and should now be incorporated into every branch constitution. 
The paragraph to be inserted into the Branch Model Constitution is national rule 6.4.8. This will become new paragraph 4.4.6 of the Branch Model Constitution and reads:-
Branches shall, when applicable, establish Retired Members’ sections which shall be entitled to elect a Section Committee to deal with retired members’ problems. The Branch shall appoint an Officer or Committee member of the Branch to service the retired members’ section. 
There will also be an additional note inserted at the foot of Branch Model Constitution paragraph 4.4. This states that ‘Retired Members are not entitled or eligible to stand for election or be able to vote in the above elections (a) to (i).
These changes are now contained within the attached Branch Model Constitution and for ease are highlighted in red italics. 
We now ask Branch Secretaries to make these changes and forward an electronic version of their revised branch constitution to the General Secretary’s Office gsoffice@cwu.org by Friday 25th November 2016. 
If you have any questions or require further clarification, please contact the General Secretary’s Office at gsoffice@cwu.org quoting reference GS18.9.1/LTB 664/16 
 
Yours sincerely
Dave Ward

General Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1: LTB 664/16 Revised Branch Model Constitution

Attachment 2: Branch Model Constitution (Oct 2016)

CWU Retired Members Conference – Thursday 19st January 2017
The CWU Retired Members Conference will be held on Thursday 19th January 2017 at the Mechanics Centre Ltd, 103 Princess Street (Major Street Entrance), Manchester M1 6DD.
a) Delegates
Only Branches with Retired members Sections are entitled to send Delegates.
Branch delegate entitlement to this Conference as agreed by the NEC is as follows:
 
Number of Retired Members
Delegate
entitlement
1-249
1
250-499
2
500 and above
3
 
Retired Members Regional Committee Secretaries shall attend the Retired Members conference with the right to speak and move motions on behalf of their Retired Members Regional Committee but not to vote. Funding for Retired Members Regional Committee Secretaries to attend Retired Members Conference shall be from General Fund.
In order that we can cater for any delegate with special needs such as seating, etc., it is important that you advise us in writing of the name of the delegate(s) and the particular requirement by return but no later than Friday 6th January 2017.
b) Motions
Each Branch is entitled to submit one motion for consideration to be included on the agenda of the Conference. Motions should be submitted electronically to conferences@cwu.org using the attached template. Confirmation of receipt of motion will be sent to branches within 72 hours. Should confirmation not be received within this time branches are asked to contact Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256 Branches who do not have this facility may request paper motion forms by contacting the Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256.
Branches, Regions and the Advisory Committee 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.
Each Retired Members Regional Committee is entitled to submit one Motion to the Retired Members Conference.
The Retired Members Advisory Committee are entitled to submit up to three motions to the Conference, standing in their name.
Motion forms must be returned by midnight on Tuesday 6th December 2016. Anything received after this date will not be accepted. All sections of the form must be completed.
If Motions are being sent electronically they will only be accepted to the above email address.
As with previous Conferences, the agenda will be structured in such a way as to maximise debate and participation by delegates. There will be 2 sections to the agenda, one for motions which are eligible for consideration for submission to General Conference, and one for motions that in the view of the Standing Orders Committee would not be admissible to the General Conference agenda.
Branches will be aware that the Retired Members’ Conference has the entitlement under the rules of the union to submit 2 motions to stand in the name of the conference to General Conference. It is therefore important that if branches wish their motions to be in this category, they must contain policy that is capable of being discharged by the NEC, as opposed to either of the Industrial Executives.
The 2 motions for submission to the General Conference agenda will be decided from amongst those motions adopted at the Conference. A ballot to select the 2 motions will be held at the Conference
c) Election of Delegates to General Conference
As you will know, the Retired Members’ Conference will select two delegates to represent the Retired Members to attend General Conference 2017.
The Standing Orders for the Retired Members’ Conference will advise a ballot to select these two delegates will be conducted during Conference itself.
Additionally, individuals must be willing to accept nomination, and must have the nomination of their own branch and/or the Retired Members’ Advisory Committee, to be eligible.
The exception to this are members of the Retired Members’ Advisory Committee themselves who may be proposed for these positions but need to have the nomination of the Retired Members’ Advisory Committee and/or any Regional Committee.
Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Chris Tapper either by post to head office or by email to Conferences@cwu.org
Yours sincerely,
 
 
A P Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 671/16 – CWU Retired Members Conference – Thursday 19th January 2017

Motion Form 

Retired Members Guidance Notes

Nomination Form

Retired Members Sections

ROYAL MAIL, PARCELFORCE AND RM INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS OPERATIONS 2016 – TEMPORARY DEDICATED PARCEL SORT CENTRES (PSCs), OUTHOUSES AND MARQUEES – HEALTH AND SAFETY:
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
This is to inform and update Branches and Area Health and Safety Representatives that for the fifth year running, Royal Mail Opps, Parcelforce Worldwide and Royal Mail International are setting up and opening a dedicated, nationwide network of temporary ‘outhoused’, parcel sort centre hubs and outhouse, overflow, relief sites as part of the 2016 Christmas operations, to deal with and handle the significantly increased traffic volumes and to sort a significant proportion of the parcels/packets Royal Mail handles before distribution around the UK and final delivery.
The temporary network will handle a significant proportion of the additional parcels/packets from the normal sorting network of Mail Centres and Regional Distribution Centres, enabling
Royal Mail to cope adequately with the increased volumes of parcel/packet traffic as a result of the continued growth of online retail shopping as effectively as possible, providing Royal Mail with increased capacity and flexibility needed as well as reducing the potential for congestion in Mail Centres and Regional Distribution Centres that sort parcels, cards and letters at the busiest time of the year. The set up will also enable the operation to cope better in the event of any severe weather conditions.
Discussions have taken place with Royal Mail Group and Parcelforce in relation to Health and Safety at the Temporary Outhouse Christmas Sort Centres and Satellite Offices and the Joint Statement attached has been agreed with Royal Mail Group Director of Safety, Health, Environment and Wellbeing. This applies to all temporary offices and operations and ensures the full access and involvement of CWU ASRs in order to be fully consulted and to undertake Health and Safety Inspections, pre-start and ongoing safety spot-checks once operational and to be fully involved, working with RMG Safety Team, Property Team and Operational Management, to deal with any Health, Safety, Welfare and working environment issues both before and during occupation.
All the relevant safety documents agreed with CWU by the Royal Mail Group Central Safety Team which have gone out to all Regions, Areas and the Safety Teams are attached.
The agreed Royal Mail Group (Including Parcelforce Worldwide and RM International)/CWU Joint Statement provides a strong commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, safe work methods and safe equipment at the temporary outhouse offices, Hubs, Marquees etc., for all staff, and ensures the provision of information, training, supervision and fit for purpose equipment needed to achieve this.
Operational Management supported by the RMG Safety Team will take responsibility for health and safety procedures, working with CWU Area Safety Representatives.
RMG/CWU Joint Statement:
The Joint Statement covers:- staff safety training & information including site induction training, statutory H&S notices in place, manual handling training, new/temp employees and visitors, safe systems of work, environmental controls, adequate heating and lighting safe place of work, risk assessment, housekeeping, safe machines, plant and equipment, fault reporting, noise and dust control, fire safety and evacuation plan, first aid, ensuring all accidents and near misses are reported and investigated, emergency procedures, joint workplace safety inspections and monitoring. Site access and involvement of CWU safety representatives, workplace transport and yard risk controls, continued effective vehicle & pedestrian segregation on site, PPE, emergency procedures and workplace monitoring.
Safety Documents:
I also attach several safety documents agreed with us by the Royal Mail Group Central Safety Team which have gone out to all Royal Mail Regions, Safety Directors and Safety Teams and which they have been asked to complete when introducing additional outhouses or temporary structures to support their Christmas operation. These are:-
(1) Safety Assessment and Concurrence (SAC1) Project/Programme/Product Form
(2) Temporary Accommodation Health & Safety Checklist General
(3) Temporary Accommodation Health & Safety Checklist Marquees on existing sites
(4) Guidance Note For Persons In Control (PIC) Where Temporary Heating is Provided
SAC1 & Risk Assessments:
Completion of the SAC 1 in particular may lead to the requirement to review a number of risk assessments in light of changes being introduced, for example:-
Yard – Primarily to ensure continued effective vehicle & pedestrian segregation on site.

Workplace – To identify and record any other significant risk issue inside the building.

First Aid – Some of these sites can be remote and require first aid provision to be made.

PPE – Potentially a number of risks at the site in terms of vehicle/pedestrian segregation

and with adjacent properties who share the yard.

Work equipment – Normal work equipment may not suit some premises/environments.

Fire risk assessment including Fire evacuation plans – essential.

Royal Mail will also be ensuring the following points have been considered:-
Site induction training – Everyone will be new to the premises.

Statutory notices in place – See the new H&S notice board standard.

Accident reporting procedure – Arrangement in place to allow reporting of accidents and near misses.

Heating – FM directive followed for temporary heaters.

Housekeeping standards – To minimise the risk of slip & trip accidents.

Manual handling training – For all the temporary staff.

This set of clear arrangements will help overcome problems experienced in the past with Christmas ‘Outhouses’, ensuring better H&S standards, joint working and problem solving.
Outlined below are the Royal Mail Opps, Parcelforce Worldwide and Royal Mail International locations of the Christmas Outhouses and additional buildings and Marquee Accommodation being used for the Christmas period.
1. Royal Mail Opps Temporary Christmas Outhouse, PSCs and Marquees – Relief Sites.
(a) Royal Mail Opps Parcel Sort Centres
South East PSC
Opening Date
On Site Details
Tetris Building,

Rockware Avenue,Greenford UB6 OAD
Go Live 31 Oct, Inward 28 Nov. 

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 24 Hours
 
Atherstone PSC
Opening Date
On Site Details
Riverside Road,

Carlyon Ind Est,

Long Street,

Atherstone CV9 1AU
Go Live 21 Nov. 

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 24 Hours
 
North West PSC
Opening Date
On Site Details
Sandbrook Park,

Edinburgh Way,

Rochdale OL11 1SA
Go Live 31 Oct.
Inward 31 Oct.
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 24 Hours
 
North East PSC
Opening Date
On Site Details
Unit 3,

Gelderd Lane,

Leeds LS12 6AL
Go Live 7 Nov.
Inward 7 Nov.
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 24 Hours
 
     

South Wales PSC
Opening Date
On Site Details
RM Parcel Centre,

LLantrisant,

Talbot Green,

Pontyclun CF72 9FG
Go Live 21 Nov.

Inward 5 Dec 

TBC
Swindon PSC
Opening Date
On Site Details
Triumph Building,

Arkwright Road,

Groundwell Ind Est,

Swindon SN25 5BE
Go live 21 Nov.

Inward 14 Nov.
TBC
Scotland PSC
Opening Date
On Site Details
Blackburn Rd, 

Barthgate EH48 2EY
Go live 7 Nov.
Inward 7 Nov.
TBC
West Midlands PSC
Opening Date
On Site Details
Express House, 

Wolseley Drive, 

Birmingham B8 2SQ
Go Live 21 Nov.

Inward 5 Dec. 

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 24 Hours
 
(b) Royal Mail Opps Outhouses
Chelmsford Outhouse
Unit 2, Gunfleet Business Pk, Brunel Way, Severalls Pk, Colchester CO4 9QX.
Jubilee Outhouse
6 Horton Road, Poyle, Slough SL3 0AT.
Norwich Outhouse
35 Barnard Road, Norwich NR5 9JB.
Medway Outhouse
Royal Mail Rochester Walk Bundling Centre, Fort Bridgewood, Maidstone Rd, Rochester ME1 3AU.
South Mids Outhouse
Former Royal Mail Milton Keynes Mail Centre, Dawson Road, MK1 1AA
Nottingham Outhouse
Royal Mail Derby MPU, Midland Rd, Derby DE1 1AA.
Ipswich Outhouse
Royal Mail Ipswich East DO, Foxtail Rd, Ipswich IP3 9SE.
Inverness Outhouse
50 Seafield Rd, Inverness IV1 1SG.
Dunfermline Outhouse
Unit E, Pitreavie Ind Est, Dunfermline, KY11 8UT 
Tyneside Outhouse
Kings Park, Fifth Avenue, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0AF 
Sheffield Outhouse
Old B&Q Site, Greenland Rd, Sheffield S9 5HE. 
Bristol Outhouse
6010 Western Approach, WA Distribution Pk, Avonmouth, Bristol BS35 4GG.
(c) Royal Mail Opps Marquees
Site
Croydon MC
Romford MC
Peterborough MC
Jubilee MC
Manchester MC
Warrington MC
Chester MC
NWMMC
Birmingham MC
Swindon MC (2)
Dorset MC
Exeter MC
Truro MC
2. Parcelforce Worldwide Temporary Christmas Outhouse Satellite Relief Depots:
There will be 7 Autumn/Xmas Pressure Parcelforce Worldwide relief sites this year:-
North Essex Satellite (Based at the Southern Cull)
Go Live date will be Monday 14th November (p.m.)

Last day of operation will be Friday 23rd December

Postcodes delivered from Satellite will be all CM13-15 & ALL SS codes

Estimated number of items to be handled – 4,500+

Saturday Deliveries – Being performed by satellite depot

Sunday Deliveries – Being performed by North Essex LD

Welwyn Garden City (moving selected codes to North Essex LD)
Go Live date will be Saturday 19st November

Last day of operation will be Friday 23rd December

Postcodes delivered from Satellite will be EN9-11

Estimated number of items to be handled – 500+

Saturday Deliveries – Being performed by North Essex LD

Sunday Deliveries – Being performed by Welwyn Garden City LD

Gatwick Satellite (Based at the Sovereign Park, Sutton – shared with LSW Sat)
Go Live date will be Monday 14th November (p.m.)

Last day of operation will be Friday 23rd December

Postcodes delivered from Satellite will be RH1-9, 12, 13, 18 & 19

Estimated number of items to be handled – 2,500+

Saturday Deliveries – Being performed by satellite depot

Sunday Deliveries – Being performed by Gatwick LD

London South West Satellite (Based at the Sovereign Park, Sutton – shared with Gatwick Sat)
Go Live date will be Monday 14th November (p.m.)

Last day of operation will be Friday 23rd December

Postcodes delivered from Satellite will be KT1-7 & SM1-7

Estimated number of items to be handled – 2,500+

Saturday Deliveries – Being performed by satellite depot

Sunday Deliveries – Being performed by London South West LD

London Central Satellite (moving postcodes to London NW)
Go Live date will be Monday 14th November (p.m.)

Last day of operation will be Friday 23rd December

Postcodes delivered from Satellite will be SW3,5,6,7 and 10 and W2 and 9

Estimated number of items to be handled – 2,500+

Saturday Deliveries – Being performed by London NW

Sunday Deliveries – Being performed by London NW

Glasgow Satellite (Based at MacLellan Street, Kinning Park, Glasgow)
Go Live date will be Monday 14th November (p.m.)

Last day of operation will be 20th January

Postcodes delivered from satellite will be KA1-30, PA1-19 and G51–53 and 58

Estimated number of items to be handled – 4500+

Saturday Deliveries – Being performed by Glasgow LD

Sunday Deliveries – Being performed by Glasgow LD

Coventry Satellite (Based at MPC, Siskin Park West, Middlemarch Business Park, Coventry)
Go Live date will be Monday 14th November (p.m.)

Last day of operation will be 23rd December

Postcodes delivered from satellite will be CV31-37 and 47, NN5, 7 and 11, OX15-17

Estimated number of items to be handled – 3600+

Saturday Deliveries – Being performed by Coventry LD

Sunday Deliveries – Being performed by Coventry LD

3. International Temporary Christmas Outhouse Satellite Relief Depots:
There will be 4 Christmas Pressure RM International Outhouse, satellite, relief sites this year:-
Coventry IPSC (Based at MPC, Siskin Park West, Middlemarch Business Park, Coventry)
Go Live date will be Monday 14th November

Last day of operation will be 8th January

Sandringham Road (Based at Sandringham Road, Hounslow)
Go Live date will be Monday 14th November

Last day of operation will be 20th January

NHCDC Hatfield (Based at Northern Home Counties Distribution Centre, Hatfield)
Go Live date will be Monday 21st November

Last day of operation will be 8th January

Hatton Cross (Based at Hatton Cross Centre, London Heathrow Airport)
Go Live date will be Wednesday 21st December

Last day of operation will be 18th January

Attachments:
RMG/CWU Joint Statement 2016

Parcel Sort Centre Operational Plans & Contacts

Marquees on existing sites OH

PIC Temporary Heating Guidelines

Temporary OH Document

SAC1

Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB668/16 ROYAL MAIL, PARCELFORCE AND RM INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS OPERATIONS 2016 –

Attachment 2 – Joint Statement 2016

Attachment 3 – Parcel Sort Centre Operational Plans and Contacts

Attachment 4 – Marquees on Existing Sites OH

Attachment 5 – PIC Temporary Heating Guidelines

Attachment 6 – Temporary OH Document

Attachment 7 – SAC1

Peterborough City Council has taken a decision to evict and make homeless 72 existing tenants in order to make £1.77 million per year by replacing them with more homeless families. That’s £5.…

Source: Peterborough Council to make £5.3 million from evicting tenants

Important Information – Amendments to Union Leave form
 
Dear Colleagues,
 
LTB 409/16 provided detailed information regarding changes to the CWU Education & Training Residential and Regional programme, release to attend courses and advice on transitional arrangements.
 
The purpose of this LTB is to further advise that amendments have now been incorporated into the Royal Mail Union Leave form to correspond to the changes. Branch Secretaries are advised that the PSP system (Policy and Information/Working with the Unions/ Working with Unions Policy Site) is in the process of being updated and any old versions of the union leave form held on desk tops will need updating to the new version.
 
Essentially, the course descriptions and additional clarifications for pre and bridging release have been changed to more closely match training titles and those that will require initial observation are reproduced below:
 
Leave title
Paid/Unpaid
PSP Code
Arrange learning/training (code also for all reps attending pre/bridging day on ES1/2 & AS1/2)
 
Paid Leave
 
ZU214P
CWU Intro to H&S Pt 1. (was H&S I) H&S Reps
Paid Leave
ZU309P
CWU Intro to H&S Pt 2. (was H&S II) H&S Reps
Paid Leave
ZU310P
CWU Intermediate H&S Pt 1. (was H&S III) H&S Reps
Paid Leave
ZU312P
CWU Intermediate H&S Pt.1 (was Occupational Health) (5 Days)
Paid Leave
ZU376P
Essential Skills Pt.1 (was Union Skills 1)
Paid Leave
ZU303P
Essential Skills Pt.2 (was Union Skills 2)
Paid Leave
ZU304P
 
I would like to take this opportunity to thank branches and representatives for their patience and assistance in this matter and request that any queries be referred to the department via Lee Wakeman in the first instance (leewakeman@cwu.org).
 
Yours sincerely,
 
TRISH LAVELLE
Head of Education & Training
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 666/16 – Important Information – Amendments to Union Leave form

CWU Humanitarian Aid Appeal – ULR Networking Event (St. James’ Park 16th/17th Nov ’16)
 
Dear Colleagues,
Branches will be aware that in the next few weeks, CWU Humanitarian Aid (CWUHA) will be sending two 40 foot containers to Syrian Refugees in Lebanon. The situation in the region is dreadful, a harsh winter is approaching with over 1.5 million refugees in Lebanon, many of them children, who fled Syria with nothing more than the clothes they were wearing.
CWUHA have arranged for a stall to be situated at the CWU Union Learning Representatives Networking Event to be held next week at St. James’ Park, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.
The attached appeal is self-explanatory and it would be very much appreciated if Branches could support their delegates who are attending the event to donate toiletries and the items listed.
People can drop the items off at the CWUHA stall and may even get the opportunity to have their photograph taken with the Leader of the Labour Party!
Queries relating to this LTB can be raised with Lee Wakeman (lwakeman@cwu.org) in the first instance.
Yours sincerely,
 
 
TRISH LAVELLE
Head of Education & Training
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 665/16 – CWU Humanitarian Aid Appeal – ULR Networking Event (St. James’ Park 16th/17th Nov ’16)

Attachment 1 – LTB 665/16

What You Need to Know About Cancer of the Pancreas
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and World Pancreatic Cancer Day is Thursday 17 November. Most people are not always as knowledgeable about pancreatic cancer as breast, lung or prostate cancer, but the disease is just as debilitating.
The pancreas is a fish shaped organ that lies behind the stomach, deep in the body. It measures about 6 inches long and less than 2 inches wide. The pancreas is made up of exocrine glands (which make pancreatic enzymes that break down food in the intestines) and clusters of cells (which make hormones like insulin that help balance the amount of sugar in the blood).
Pancreatic cancer starts when the exocrine glands or the endocrine cells form tumours, which can spread throughout the body. Cancers formed by the exocrine cells are much more common.
When pancreatic cancer spreads, the cancer cells may also be found in nearby lymph nodes, the liver, the lungs or in fluid collected from the abdomen.
What is the pancreas? 
The pancreas is a large gland that lies behind the stomach, at the back of the tummy area (abdomen) – at about the same height as the bottom of the breastbone. It is about 15cm (6 inches) long and shaped a bit like a tadpole. It is often described as having a head, body and tail. It is surrounded by several large and important organs and blood vessels. The head of the pancreas is next to the duodenum (first part of the small intestines). The body of the pancreas is the middle section, and the tail is next to the spleen. The liver, stomach, intestines, left kidney and gallbladder are also all close to the pancreas. The blood vessels that carry blood to the liver, intestines, kidneys and lower part of the body are very close to the pancreas, and may touch it. The pancreatic duct runs the length of the pancreas. It carries pancreatic juices, which contain enzymes made by the pancreas to the intestines. The pancreatic duct and bile duct (which carries a fluid called bile from the liver) both open into the duodenum (small intestines).
Facts About Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the UK.

Pancreatic cancer is the fifth biggest cancer killer in the UK – 26 a day.

8,500 people die from pancreatic cancer in the UK every year.

Just 5% of patients survive – it has the worst survival rate of all 22 common cancers.

The average life expectancy on diagnosis is four to six months.

There are around 9,500 new cases of pancreatic cancer in the UK every year.

About 1 in 75 people will get pancreatic cancer at some point in their life.

Pancreatic cancer affects men and women equally.

Nearly half of people are diagnosed as an emergency in our A&E system.

The earlier pancreatic cancer is caught, the better chance a person has of surviving 5 years after being diagnosed.
Pancreatic cancer – what is it?
Pancreatic cancer occurs when a malignant tumour forms in the pancreas. There are two main types of pancreatic cancer: Exocrine tumours which make up the vast majority of all pancreatic cancers and come from the cells that line the ducts in the pancreas which carry digestive juices into the intestine, and rarer, Endocrine tumours which are much less common.
What causes pancreatic cancer?
The causes of pancreatic cancer are not fully understood. However, there are some risk factors that make developing pancreatic cancer more likely:
Smoking – There is a direct relationship between the amount you smoke and the risk of pancreatic cancer. Around a third of all cases are associated with smoking.
Age – The risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age. It mainly affects people who are 50-80.
Chronic Pancreatitis – Long-term inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) has been linked to pancreatic cancer.
Diabetes – There have been a number of reports which suggest that diabetics have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Obesity – Recent studies have shown that risk is higher in people who are obese (have a Body Mass Index more than 30). Some studies show that obese women who carry their weight on their stomach area are at an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Stomach Ulcer – Stomach Ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection (a stomach infection).
Genetics – In about 1 in 10 cases, pancreatic cancer is inherited from a person’s parents. Certain genes also increase your chances of getting pancreatitis, which in turn increases your risk of developing cancer of the pancreas.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer
In the early stages, a tumour in the pancreas doesn’t usually cause any symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose.
It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by many different conditions, and aren’t usually the result of cancer. But individuals should contact their GP if concerned, or if these symptoms start suddenly.
The first noticeable symptoms of pancreatic cancer are often:
pain in the back or stomach area – which may come and go at first and is often worse when you lie down or after you’ve eaten

unexpected weight loss

jaundice – the most obvious sign is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes; it also causes your urine to be dark yellow or orange and your stools (faeces) to be pale-coloured

Other possible symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
nausea and vomiting

bowel changes

fever and shivering

indigestion

blood clots

Those affected may also develop symptoms of diabetes if they have pancreatic cancer, because it can produce chemicals that interfere with the normal effect of insulin.
Diagnosing pancreatic cancer
The GP will first ask about general health and carry out a physical examination. They may examine the tummy (abdomen) for a lump and to see whether the liver is enlarged.
They’ll also check the skin and eyes for signs of jaundice and may request a urine sample and blood test.
If the GP suspects pancreatic cancer, the person concerned will usually be referred to a specialist at a hospital for further investigation where the following may take place:
an ultrasound scan

a computerised tomography (CT) scan

a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

a positron emission tomography (PET) scan – where an injection is given of a very small amount of radioactive medication, known as a tracer, which helps to show up cancers in an image

Depending on the results of a scan, further tests may include:
an endoluminal ultrasonography (EUS) endoscopy – a type of endoscopy which allows close-up ultrasound pictures to be taken of the pancreas 

an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – a type of endoscopy which is used to inject a special dye into the bile and pancreatic ducts; the dye will show up on an X-ray and highlight any tumours

a laparoscopy – a surgical procedure that allows the surgeon to see inside the body using a laparoscopy (a thin, flexible microscope)

A biopsy, where a small sample is taken from a suspected tumour, may also be carried out during these procedures.
NICE guidelines
In 2015, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published guidelines to help GPs recognise the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer and refer people for the right tests faster.
To find more on this read the NICE 2015 guidelines on Suspected Cancer: Recognition and Referral at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance
Treating pancreatic cancer
Cancer of the pancreas is difficult to treat. It rarely causes any symptoms in the early stages, so it’s often not detected until the cancer is fairly advanced. If the tumour is large, treating the cancer will be more difficult.
If diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the treatment will depend on the type and location of the cancer, and how far it’s advanced. Age, general health and personal preferences will also be taken into consideration.
The first aim will be to completely remove the tumour and any other cancerous cells. If this isn’t possible, treatment will focus on preventing the tumour growing and causing further harm to the body.
The three main treatments for pancreatic cancer are:
surgery

chemotherapy

radiotherapy

Some types of pancreatic cancer only require one form of treatment, whereas others may require two types of treatment or a combination of all three.
Recovering from Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
Recovering from pancreatic cancer surgery can be a long and difficult process.
Patients will probably experience some pain after the operation. Adequate pain relief will be prescribed.
After any type of surgery to the digestive system, the bowel will temporarily stop working. This means the patient won’t be able to eat or drink straight away.
The patient will gradually be able to sip fluids, before eventually being able to drink and eat more regularly. Advice will be given about what foods should be eaten following the operation.
After the tumour has been removed, the patient will probably have a six-month course of chemotherapy, which greatly increases the chance of being cured. But because cancer of the pancreas is difficult to diagnose and treat, many people don’t recover completely.
Treatment can be very effective in helping to ease symptoms and make the patient as comfortable as possible. Chemotherapy can help shrink the tumour and slow down its growth.
World Pancreatic Cancer Day -Thursday 17 November
This month, Pancreatic Cancer Month and on Thursday 17 November, World Pancreatic Cancer Day, the CWU will be joining individuals and organisations in the UK and across the globe to show that we are “in it together” in the aim to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer. World Pancreatic Cancer Day is organised by an International Steering Group made up of the following organisations: Pancreatic Cancer Action (UK), Pancreatic Cancer UK, PurpleOurWorld Australia, The JCM Foundation (USA), Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society (Canada), European Cancer Patient Coalition (EU), PASYKAF (Cyprus).
Pancreatic Cancer UK
Pancreatic Cancer UK is a charity fighting to make a difference by taking on pancreatic cancer, by supporting those affected by the disease, investing in research, lobbying for greater recognition of pancreatic cancer, and being there for everyone involved in the fight. The Charity wants to make sure that everyone touched by it gets the support and information they need. The Charity is here for everything you need to know about pancreatic cancer.
They provide expert, personalised support and information via a Support Line and through a range of publications

They fund innovative research to find the breakthroughs that will change how we understand, diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer

They campaign for change; for better care, treatment and research, and for pancreatic cancer to have the recognition it needs.

Support Line – Freephone
Pancreatic Cancer UK operates a Freephone ‘Support Line’ which is a lifeline for thousands of patients, families and friends. Available to anyone affected by pancreatic cancer. The Pancreatic cancer specialist nurses understand the issues that individuals might be facing and can support people in coping with pancreatic cancer. They can provide individual specialist information about pancreatic cancer, treatment options and managing symptoms and side effects. As a listening ear, they can also help with your concerns and provide support and discuss sensitive issues with respect and acceptance.
Contact Details – Further Information:
Pancreatic Cancer UK

6th Floor Westminster Tower

3 Albert Embankment

London, England SE1 7SP

Tel: 020 3535 7090

Email: enquiries@pancreaticcancer.org.uk

Website: http://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/
Pancreatic Cancer Action
Pancreatic Cancer Action is another leading charity in the field with a focus on improving early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and improving the quality of life for those affected by pancreatic cancer. They are on a mission to stamp out late detection which is the reason that the survival rate has remained at between 2% – 4% for nearly 50 years.
Contact Details – Further Information:
Pancreatic Cancer Action 

Unit 9

Oakhanger Business Park 

Oakhanger

Hampshire

GU35 9JA

Tel: 0303 040 1770

Website: http://www.pancreaticcanceraction.org
Attachments:-
Pancreatic Cancer Fact Sheet

Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors Fact Sheet

Pancreatic Cancer Sign & Symptoms Fact Sheet

Pancreatic Cancer Poster/Leaflet

Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
 
Email Attachments – Click to download Attachment 1 – LTB661/16 Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month & World Pancreatic Cancer Day Thursday 17 November:

Attachment 2 – Pancreatic Cancer Fact Sheet

Attachment 3 – Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors Fact Sheet

Attachment 4 – Pancreatic Cancer Signs & Symptoms Fact Sheet

Attachment 5 – Pancreatic Cancer Poster/Leaflet

The Future of the Post Office – Political Campaign

The purpose of this LTB is to update branches on our political work and recent developments in relation to the Post Office dispute and to outline the support we would ask from branches on this. 
As branches will be aware, the dispute was a key focus for the union at both Labour Party and TUC Conferences in September. The TUC unanimously backed the union’s motion expressing its support for our members taking strike action and Labour Conference agreed that the party should commit to establishing a Post Bank as part of its next manifesto – this is further than it has ever gone before. 
The union’s campaign was also promoted by the Communications Department through social media, with a number of General Secretaries from other union’s giving their backing to the CWU with online videos. We also distributed a briefing to delegates at Labour Conference on the dispute. 
Following this, there are a number of activities we have undertaken in Parliament to move the political campaign forward:
• We have secured a backbench debate in Parliament on the Post Office for 17th November – this required a significant amount of lobbying to gain cross-party support for a motion and support on the Backbench Business Committee in order to approve the debate. 
• We have provided tailored briefing documents to MPs whose constituencies are directly affected by the Post Office’s proposals in advance of the debate and are lobbying to secure support for this. 
• We have written to all MPs outlining the crisis the Post Office faces and the key demands of our campaign. 
• Early Day Motion (EDM) 571 calling for a new strategy for the future of the Post Office was tabled by Kelvin Hopkins MP. This currently has 51 signatures. 
• A range of written and oral questions have been provided to MPs to raise in Parliament to put pressure on the government. 
• We have contacted the Public Accounts Committee and the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Select Committee to push them to hold an inquiry on the issue. Discussions on this are ongoing. 
• Members of the CWU Parliamentary Group of MPs have taken up the issue and are pushing this with the government, the Labour frontbench and the relevant Parliamentary Committees. Many of the above points also involved support from MPs on the group. 
Alongside this, we have been working closely with the Labour Shadow BEIS team of Clive Lewis MP, Gill Furniss MP and Jack Dromey MP. We have met with them to talk through the issues, the campaign and how this can be progressed in parliament and the media and we have provided them with a detailed briefing document, oral questions and written questions. 
We have also met with and spoken to the government minister with responsibility for the Post Office, Margot James MP, who we are continuing to push over our key demand that the government pause the programme of cuts and bring together key stakeholders to work out a new strategy for the future. 
Finally, as branches will have seen, a significant number of MPs have backed our members on social media using the hashtag #PeoplesPost, particularly on the last day of industrial action on 31st October. A significant amount of work has been done by the Communications Department to secure their support. 
Government consultation
On 9th November the government published a consultation document on the future of the Post Office which we believe is a direct response to our campaign and the pressure that it is coming under in both parliament and more widely. 
It is important to recognize that this is a significant development. The government and the Post Office are due to start discussions over a funding package from 2018 onwards and it has never previously conducted a consultation to feed into this. 
While the consultation document does not set out a vision for the future of the Post Office and may be intended by the government to provide some cover for continuing on the path of managed decline, we clearly need to use this opportunity to make the case for a positive strategy based on growth and to get the public’s support for this. 
We will therefore be running a campaign to get as many submissions as possible to back the union’s position and in particular our call for a Post Bank. Further information will be provided on this shortly. 
Support for the political campaign
In order to support the political work we are doing, we would ask branches to undertake the following actions:
i. write to their local MP to urge them to take part in the debate on the Post Office on 17th November – the debate will be in Westminster Hall at 3pm;
ii. ask members to contact their local MP on Twitter to urge them to take part in the debate with the following tweet:
With flagship branches closing the Post Office is in crisis. Please take part in the debate on 17th Nov 3pm #PeoplesPost
iii. write to their local MP to ask them to sign EDM 571 at the following link https://www.parliament.uk/edm/2016-17/571. 
It is extremely important that MPs hear from constituents on the campaign and in particular that Conservative MPs are aware of the strength of feeling on the issues. Branches are therefore asked to treat this as a priority. 
Next steps
As branches will appreciate a significant amount of work is being done to the move forward the political campaign on the Post Office. We will be continuing to push these issues and will be seeking a fresh meeting with the government in the wake of the consultation announcement. Any queries branches have in relation to this element of the campaign should be directed to gsoffice@cwu.org. 
To inform our future decision making, a senior reps briefing and Special Postal Executive will be held on Thursday 9 November together with a national briefing on Monday 14th November at the Indian YMCA. Further information on the industrial elements of the dispute will be provided to Branches by the Postal Department as appropriate and any queries on this should be directed to hnutley@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward Terry Pullinger

General Secretary Deputy General Secretary (Postal)
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 659/16 – The Future of the Post Office – Political Campaign

Online course – CWU Mandatory Fair & Equal in the CWU
Dear Colleagues,
Branches are invited to submit applications to the Education and Training Department for an online version of the mandatory CWU Fair & Equal in the CWU course which has to be undertaken by all CWU representatives.
This online course will start on the week commencing 6th March 2017 and students should be prepared to spend a minimum of 3 hours per week, for three consecutive weeks, undertaking activities on the course, which will be completed by Friday 24th March 2017.
Full online tutorial support will be provided and the course will be fully accredited in line with CWU policy.
This online course is aimed at representatives who fall into one of the following categories:
• Work in an unrecognised area and therefore have no access to release from the employer

• Live and work in a geographically remote area where the prospect of running a viable classroom based course is unlikely

• Have an access or educational need that would make online learning preferable

• Have caring responsibilities that make a classroom based course preferable
Prospective students should have ready access to an internet connection and a computer with web browser and a basic word processor or text editor such as Microsoft Word.
They should also be familiar with basic computing operations such as:
• Web browsing

• Using internet Forums

• Using search engines such as Google

• Sending and receiving emails

• Simple file management

• Creating and editing basic text documents
Where the union is recognised for collective bargaining by the employer this course should attract 9 hours paid release in line with what is provided for equivalent classroom based courses.
The closing date for applications is Friday 19th January 2017. Application forms should be addressed to: Trish Lavelle, Head of Education & Training, CWU Education & Training Centre, Alvescot Lodge, Alvescot, BAMPTON, Oxon OX18 2PY. Telephone: 01993 843373; Fax: 01993 840960; e-mail mtodd@cwu.org
Yours sincerely,

TRISH LAVELLE

HEAD OF EDUCATION & TRAINING
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 657/16 – Online course – CWU Mandatory Fair & Equal in the CWU