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Wisbech Trades Council News Letter
Latest from the Branch
POSTAL POLICY FORUM DECISIONS
POSTAL POLICY FORUM DECISIONS
Please find attached the decisions taken at the CWU Postal Policy Forum held on 22nd/23rd March 2016.
The whole of the Union is now united around policy relating to all aspects of concern: commitment and the application of our current agreements, the future vision for Royal Mail, employment and standard of living security, and our members’ dignity in retirement.
We believe that our members will welcome the clarity of our position and the fact that we are insistent on negotiations with the employer to ensure that we genuinely have a mutual interest consensus vision on how we move forward.
It is vital that our members are fully briefed on the position we have taken, and, whilst we will be working on a robust communication strategy nationally, it is also the responsibility of Branches and our Representatives at all levels to ensure that our members are aware that the Union is addressing both their immediate and long term concerns.
It is important that everyone understands that our policies do not represent a list of promises but a list of challenges that we have total determination to address. However, our degree of success will increase if we have the full support of the membership and we must not take that for granted, we must work for it.
Against that backdrop the Policy Forum document “The Future of Royal Mail, Pay and Pensions” and the attached policies will provide useful reference for any future Branch communications or members’ meetings. To reiterate, going forward we will be developing a national communication strategy to galvanise and unite the whole of the Union around our policies.
Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be addressed to the DGSP Department.
Yours sincerely,
Terry Pullinger
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)
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CWU Exchange Mentoring – Activists Supporting Activists
CWU Exchange Mentoring – Activists Supporting Activists
Dear Colleagues,
CWU Exchange is the CWU’s own mentoring scheme designed to develop new activists through utilising the skills and experience of our more experienced representatives.
Who will CWU Exchange be targeted at?
The initial pilot scheme will be targeted at relatively new Women, BAME and Youth activists who are active in either their Branch, workplace or Region. Most will have been active for up to three years.
How will we select the CWU Exchange Mentors?
Potential mentors are invited to apply through a formal application process. Each applicant will complete an application form which will detail their skills, experiences and understanding of mentoring. A National Steering Group will shortlist the successful candidates and they will be invited to attend a two day training course. The following criteria will apply:
At least 5 years experience within the CWU at a senior level at Branch, National, Regional or IR level
Excellent communications skills including public speaking
A demonstrable commitment to developing new activists
An understanding of the role of mentoring within a trade union
Ability to commit specified time to the mentoring role
It will be desirable but not essential to have experience of delivering training, workshops, briefings etc. to other representatives or in the wider labour movement.
What training will be provided?
Building on the success of the Mentoring for BAME and Women courses delivered last year the Education and Training Department will provide a two day course at Alvescot Lodge with the following aims:
To develop mentoring skills
To understand the roles and responsibilities of CWU mentors
To understand and apply mentoring skills in line with the requisite ethical standards
To understand and apply the processes and policies of delivering mentoring according to the CWU Exchange Scheme
The training will be delivered by suitably qualified tutors and members of the Education and Training Department on the following dates at Alvescot Lodge:
3 and 4 May 2016
5 and 6 May 2016
How do I apply?
Potential mentors will need to apply by completing the attached application form. Please give us as much information as possible and return your application by Monday 11 April 2016. We will ask potential mentees to apply via a similar application process in due course detailing their experience to date, any barriers that they are facing and letting us know what they are looking for in a mentor.
Selection and matching of Mentees and Mentors
The Steering group will then be responsible for short listing 40 mentors and 40 potential mentees and for matching them with one of our trained mentors. This will be based on geography, particular areas of interest, constituency, and what they are seeking from the mentoring process.
If you are interested please return your completed application form to:
Maxine Todd, CWU Education and Training Centre, Alvescot Lodge, Alvescot, Bampton, Oxon, OX18 2PY. Alternatively email your application to mtodd@cwu.org
Any queries relating to this LTB should be directed to me at tlavelle@cwu.org in the CWU Education and Training Department.
Yours sincerely,
Trish Lavelle
Head of Education and Training
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 195/16 – CWU Exchange Mentoring – Activists Supporting Activists
Attachment 1: Application Form CWU Exchange Mentoring Scheme
POSTAL POLICY FORUM – RESULTS OF DEBATES & VOTES ON AMENDMENTS & MOTIONS FROM DAY 2
FUTURE DESIGN
22
COMPOSITE 6 If Carried 23 Falls
Add at end:
NOT CARRIED
This Policy Forum agrees that there will be no agreement to a 6 hour. Delivery span in line with royal mail’s vision for a longer delivery span until the CWU has secured a 35 hour gross working week.
Northern/North West London
London Phoenix
Mount Pleasant
23
Add at End:
NOT CARRIED
That any final agreement on shaping the future of Royal Mail should not include a National Agreement that strives to introduce 6 hour walking delivery spans. That the future for outdoor delivery could be a mixture of delivery options but would not include an individual OPG assigned to do a 6 hour walking residential route, even if there was a mandatory break included after a certain time period that option is not acceptable.
Wolverhampton and District
24
Add at End:
CARRIED
There will be no deployment of any element of OMP in any function without a full national agreement. Any agreement must be placed before an annual/special conference or policy forum.
Further, any future agreement must include the following for delivery members;
No individual to be allowed to start work prior to their duty/overtime start time.
Full meal relief must be taken within duty time. Where geographically viable the MR will be taken by returning to the office.
All delivery equipment allocated to a duty must be used.
An agreed process that ensures points a-c are adhered to.
A genuinely manageable workload to mitigate the fatigue of a longer delivery span.
Recognition that there will be occasions where members may require a level of relief, and a process in the agreement to facilitate this.
This list is not exhaustive.
NW/NW Division
25
COMPOSITE 7 If Carried 26 Falls
Add at End:
CARRIED
Except that any final agreement on OMP shall include the following:
A 5 year extension to the current legally binding contract.
A shorter working week, even if this is Delivery Specific to protect full time jobs.
Takes in to account the impact that new technology, including the CSS machines trialled in Exeter and the impact this will have on the indoor workload in deliveries.
Reverses machine removal plans/gives a fully joined up automation strategy, this includes machine capacity in each area including large machine sequencing capacity, as well has CSS capacity.
Takes in to account of outdoor method changes, in particular the effect this could potentially have on our members in deliveries.
Protection of full time jobs within each of the pipeline functions.
Firm commitment from Royal Mail to seek new products/work and growth.
Any final agreement to be placed before either a special or annual conference/policy forum.
South Yorkshire and District Amal
Hull and East Ridings Amal
26
Add at End:
WITHDRAWN
Any final agreement that contains any changes to the national work plan will be brought back to a Special Conference or policy forum.
Newcastle Amal
27
Add at End:
CARRIED
That any future Delivery structure that contains little or no indoor work should be designed on the following basis:
To continue to maximize full time duties.
Two separate Deliveries with a Meal Relief in between, preferably, taken at the Parent Office.
Workload types to be varied wherever possible to help prevent fatigue.
South East No.5
28
Add at End:
CARRIED
That the pay forum recognises any change to delivery requires a radical transformation which must include safety as the integral part.
This means there must be the following:
Review of Equipment Provision and appropriate equipment provided
Improved workplace design
Review of Footwear & Clothing
Review of CDV concept
This list is not exhaustive.
Specific issues such as DDA cases must be examined and accommodated in line with the relevant legislation with full Safeguards for employees with a disability built into any new delivery agreement.
Any new delivery agreement must recognise that employees will have a range of abilities and consideration must be given to individuals on this point taking into account factors such as age and physical capability.
York and District Amal
29
COMPOSITE 8 If Carried 30 Falls
NOT CARRIED
Add at End:
Royal Mail’s strategy has indicated that it would include the closure of up to 400 delivery offices.
Given the magnitude of such a proposal this Policy Forum agrees that a New Delivery Office Closure agreement is needed.
Any new agreement on Delivery Office merger /closure must include the following:
A longer consultation process (longer than the current 90 days).
An agreement on what a reasonable travelling distance is for employees.
That multiple offices should not be counted as single cost centres with one traffic and one hour figures.
Safeguards employee welfare facilities, car parks, etc.
An improvement on the one off MTSF £150 payment.
In addition a consultation should take place to understand from current Delivery Office closure/merges what other issues need to be included.
This list is not exhaustive.
This Policy Forum is instructed accordingly.
Anglia Divisional Committee
East London Postal
London South West Postal
South East London Postal and Counters
Plymouth and East Cornwall Amal
Eastern No.5
30
Add at End:
CARRIED
That this Policy Forum recognises the link between office DO closures and Royal Mails strategy for the future of deliveries; including OMP. Therefore it is agreed that in line with recommendation 3 that no cooperation be given to the current spate of DO mergers/Closures until such time as an agreement is reached on the future of deliveries and any subsequent new pipeline/work plan except where there is an accepted Health and Safety issue and or local agreement when there are benefits to the members affected i.e. new offices.
Greater Manchester
31
Add at End:
NOT HEARD – OUT OF TIME
Any agreement must contain the condition that all sorting and preparation of inward manual mail, for any delivery, will be performed at the delivery office at which the delivery route is based.
The Postal executive is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.3
32
Add at End:
NOT HEARD – OUT OF TIME
That no agreement be given to annualised hours.
Nottingham and District Amal
33
Add at End:
NOT HEARD – OUT OF TIME
However, if there are any attempts by the business to bring in OMP/Single Wave by executive action then a ballot 13 will be put in place.
South East Wales Amal
34
COMPOSITE 9
Add at End:
NOT HEARD – OUT OF TIME
This policy forum agrees that A National Communications Plan is put in place and organised that incurs the widest participation possible with its members on the future job design.
• Following this policy forum any Policy making motions will be shared with the membership to ensure the widest possible engagement process is achieved with our members, to take them through all of the possible effects the proposed changes may have on them.
• This will consist of a road show by all relevant National Officers to all Divisional area and unit reps across the country on the policies carried at this policy forum.
A plan for Office visits by all relevant National officers, PEC, Field officials across the country listening to members’ suggestions for the future and engaging them on ideas for protecting future employment.
• Following the above the PEC agree to hold a further Policy forum and or a special conference to further discuss the future proposed job design.
North East Divisional Committee
Durham County Amal
35
Add at End:
NOT HEARD – OUT OF TIME
The age and dynamic of our membership, in delivery must also be a central concern in future development of delivery span and content.
Furthermore, we cannot just accept a position where we have winners and losers with regards to work arrivals and any attempt by RM to introduce any such changes without agreement of the CWU must be resisted by all means possible.
South and East Thames Amal
RECOMMENDATION 4
36
Add at End:
WITHDRAWN
Delete “Automated Data Capture”
Glasgow and District Amal
37
Add at End:
CARRIED
Any National Agreement reached will also ensure that where employee tracking technology is employed by Royal Mail such technology may not be used for individual performance management or conduct cases.
Bristol and District Amal
38
Add at End:
CARRIED
No agreement is given that allows people to be tagged on the amount of hours they are working per day.
Cleveland Amal
39
COMPOSITE 10 If Carried 40 Falls
Add at End:
NOT CARRIED
That any National agreement will be placed before a special conference/annual conference or a policy forum.
North East Divisional Committee
Durham County Amal
South Yorkshire and District Amal
York and District Amal
Hull and East Ridings Amal
Newcastle Amal
40
Add at End:
WITHDRAWN
Any proposals will be subject to a Policy Forum before being nationally agreed.
South Central Postal
RECOMMENDATION 5
41
Add at End:
CARRIED
Renationalisation of Royal Mail will be the central tenet of the People’s Post Campaign.
South Central Postal
42
Add at End:
CARRIED
This Policy Forum congratulates all those involved in the spectacularly successful People’s Post Rally in Manchester and commits to maximising attendance and participation at the next People’s Post Rally to be held in Birmingham in June 2016 thereby ensuring that the campaign goes from strength to strength.
Midlands Divisional Committee
43
COMPOSITE 11
Add at End:
CARRIED
This policy forum agrees that a National day of action is organised in London (initially) prior to the summer closure of Parliament that highlights the People’s Post Campaign and then the CWU organise an on-going campaigns across the country.
North East Divisional Committee
Durham County Amal
South Yorkshire and District Amal
Cleveland Amal
Hull and East Ridings Amal
York and District Amal
PAY, HOURS & LEAVE
RECOMMENDATION 6
44
Delete and Add: If Carried 45, 46 and 48 Fall
NOT CARRIED
“one year” and insert “three year”.
Glasgow and District Amal
45
Add at End :
WITHDRAWN
The focus from April 2016 should be on pay only for one year until such time the CWU fully understand the impact of OMP and Automated Data Control/Production Control on our member’s terms and conditions.
Newcastle Amal
46
COMPOSITE 12
Add at End:
CARRIED
This Policy Forum agrees that the one year pay and reward agreement must not be dependent on any negotiations or agreement on Royal Mail’s strategy or any pilot on one wave. That agreed pay/reward arrangements for specific bargaining units e.g. Parcelforce and RMSS are shaped to meet the members’ aspirations within these units.
Midlands Divisional Committee
Mount Pleasant International
London South West
East London Postal
London Parcels and Stations
London Phoenix
Northern/North West London
47
COMPOSITE 13 If Carried 48 and 49 Fall
Delete Recommendation and insert new Recommendation:
CARRIED
This Policy Forum recognises that full time employment within Royal Mail is under the biggest threat ever due to the following:
Increased automation and improvements in current automation such as Tops 2000 or MDEC.
Royal Mail’s future strategy of one wave, later acceptance and later deliveries.
The planned introduction of Production Control which seeks to measure every single second of CWU members’ working day with the intention of resourcing to workload.
This Policy Forum recognises that the above threats will combine to reduce full time jobs and some higher hourage part time contracts.
This Policy Forum therefore agrees that it is essential that the CWU now achieves its policy of a 35 hour gross working week (with no reduction in pay).
The CWU must now link Royal Mail’s strategies on automation, working time directives, their working plan changes, one wave and Royal Mail’s strategy with a plan within 3 years of achieving a 35 hour gross working week.
This Policy Forum will launch a membership communication exercise explaining the rationale of a shorter working week in safe guarding future jobs.
This Policy Forum agrees that the CWU’s policy will be to agree a 35 hour gross working week by 2020 with reductions in the working week each year linked to automation deployment and Royal Mail’s strategy.
Failure to reach an agreement on this strategy by October 1st 2016 will result in the CWU withdrawing support for any new automation and will oppose Royal Mail’s strategy.The PEC will also give consideration to balloting for industrial action to achieve a comprehensive agreement which achieves the 35 hour gross working week for CWU members (without any reduction in pay).
The PEC is instructed accordingly.
London Divisional Committee
South East London Postal and Counter
West London Postal
48
Add at End: If Carried 49 Falls
FALLS AS 47 WAS CARRIED
If when pursing a one year pay and reward agreement, a reduction in hours linked to current policy isn’t achieved, then a formal commitment must be achieved for the principle of a reduction to the working week, for the relevant CWU Grades; as part of any future longer term Agreement.
Anglia Divisional Committee
49
Add at End:
FALLS AS 47 WAS CARRIED
That the securing of a meaningful reduction in the working week remains the overriding priority of the CWU in terms of protecting full time employment, both in the short and long terms.
Nottingham and District Amal
50
COMPOSITE 14
Add at End:
CARRIED
In respect of the MDEC in line with conference policy Motion 104 from 2014 it is recognised that the historic low pay levels of MDEC data keyers needs to be addressed and the PEC will seek to treat this group of workers as a special case in pay negotiations.
Western Counties
Plymouth and East Cornwall Amal
51
Add at End:
WITHDRAWN
An Increase of two day’s Annual Leave for all OPG grades in Royal Mail.
Now After Increase
On Entry = 4 and half weeks 4 weeks 4.5 days
After 5 years = 4 weeks 3.5 days 5 weeks .5 days
After 15 years = 5 weeks 1 day 5 weeks 3 days
After 20 years = 6 weeks 6 weeks 2 days
Post persons have not had an increase in Annual Leave since the Way Forward Agreement of 2000, it is now time to look at the way the work has changed over the years and our members working their hours.
Birmingham District Amal
52
COMPOSITE 15 If Carried 55 Falls
Add at End;
WITHDRAWN
It is imperative that the CWU look at the overall savings Royal Mail could accrue from any future agreements based on their 5 year plan. The CWU will look at our own overall package of proposals and the CWU will position themselves to such an extent that until we understand the significant changes to current working practises within Royal Mail, there will be no agreement on any changes until a further policy forum / special conference takes place once the implications of the effects of Royal Mail’s proposals are understood.
North East Divisional Committee
Durham County Amal
South Yorkshire and District Amal
Cleveland Amal
York and District
Hull and East Riding Amal
53
Add at end: If Carried 54 Falls
CARRIED
This policy forum agrees that the issue of average earnings included in holiday pay needs to be addressed as soon as is practically possible as this affects all our members but part-timers in the main and disproportionately.
In the absence of a national agreement on holiday pay and whilst the negotiations continue at a national level the policy forum agrees that CWU legal dept. should support a number of cases (potentially one per division) that have a reasonable prospect of success in the courts to show the business we are serious about the issue. This will also show our part-time and full-time members we support them and address the inequality of the current position and provide a pinch point for the business to conclude the negotiations.
The postal executive is instructed accordingly.
NW/NW Division
54
Add at End:
FALLS AS 53 WAS CARRIED
That in the absence of achieving an overall agreement on Holiday pay, the union seeks, in the first instance to reach an agreement for our part time members who in the main are excluded from enhanced Holiday pay as a result of a reduced access to Scheduled Attendance. That the legal department supports A SELECTED NUMBER OF PART TIME members via the Employment tribunal with a view to strengthening our negotiating position.
Greater Manchester
55
Add at End:
WITHDRAWN
Any such agreement will be subject to a National Policy Forum.
Eastern No.5
PENSIONS
RECOMMENDATION 7
56
Add at End: If Carried 58 Falls
WITHDRAWN
This Policy Forum agrees that should the current defined benefit scheme close, then any new scheme must include a minimum contribution from the employer (Royal Mail) of 17.1%.
This forum further agrees and that a provision is must be provided that will allow any current member of the defined benefit scheme the opportunity to use their final cash amount/savings, from the defined contribution scheme, to purchase additional pension block benefits from their previous career average defined contribution scheme.
The PEC is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.3
57
Add at End: If Carried 58 Falls
CARRIED
This Policy Forum agrees that should an agreement be reached on the closure of the current Defined Benefit Scheme then any new Defined Contribution Scheme will include the employer (Royal Mail) making a minimum contribution of 17.1% and the employee has an option to make a contribution of up to 10%.
Greater Manchester
58
COMPOSITE 16
Add at End:
WITHDRAWN
This Policy Forum agrees that should the current defined benefit scheme close, then any new scheme must include a minimum contribution from the employer (Royal Mail) of 17.1%.
London Divisional Committee
London Phoenix
Mount Pleasant International
Northern/North West London
East London Postal
South East London Postal and Counter
59
COMPOSITE 17
Add at End:
CARRIED
This Policy Forum condemns John Millidge’s recent announcement that it is likely that Royal Mail will shortly announce that it will close the Defined Benefit Scheme after 2018.
This Policy Forum is fed up with Royal Mail’s failed promises on safe- guarding our pensions.
Therefore if Royal Mail announces under the legal consultation process of their intention to close the Defined Benefit Scheme post 2018, then this Policy Forum agrees that the CWU will launch a campaign to stop Royal Mail including an industrial action ballot.
The Policy forum also notes the recent reports on defined contribution schemes not producing an adequate pension unless individuals work to over 70.
This Policy Forum will as part of the industrial action settlement secure a better pension settlement for those in the current Defined Contribution Scheme.
This PEC is instructed accordingly
Midlands Divisional Committee
Anglia Divisional Committee
Plymouth and East Cornwall Amal
60
COMPOSITE 18
Add at End:
WITHDRAWN
This policy forum notes with concern the potential further attacks on members pension benefits as outlined by Jon Millidge at the recent national briefing.
This policy forum agrees that it would be obscene to contemplate worsening pension benefits for CWU members whilst at the same time shareholders will receive share dividends based on profits.
This Policy forum therefore instructs the PEC to enter into urgent national discussions with Royal Mail to use a significant portion of any monies identified by the board as share dividends to protect CWU member benefits under each pension scheme.
The PEC should use all means at their disposal from mediation up to and including industrial action to achieve agreement.
North East Divisional Committee
Durham County Amal
South Yorkshire and District
Cleveland Amal
York and District Amal
Hull and East Riding
POSTAL POLICY FORUM – RESULTS OF DEBATES & VOTES ON AMENDMENTS & MOTIONS FROM DAY 1
CURRENT AGREEMENTS
RECOMMENDATION 1
1
Delete Recommendation 1 Add New Recommendation 1:
NOT CARRIED
That no agreement is reached until all outstanding BT2010 payments have been made. When an Agreement is reached it must be consistent with the above report and which reaffirms commitment to our current Agreements, builds upon them and the growth agenda, resolves all outstanding issues and seeks to extend the agreed commitments, MTSF and the legally binding Agreement for a further five years.
South Central Postal
2
COMPOSITE 1
CARRIED
Add at End: that this Policy Forum welcomes an extension of the legal guarantees and MTSF, however this Policy Forum agrees that this must not be dependent on the CWU agreeing to Royal Mail’s ‘vision’ of the future strategy for the business or a pilot/agreement to extend the current OMP trial or a move to single wave sequencing.
Midlands Divisional Committee
Anglia Divisional Committee
London Divisional Committee
West London Postal
London South West
South East London
Northern/North West London
Mount Pleasant International
East London Postal
London Parcels and Stations Amal
London Phoenix
Eastern No.5
3
COMPOSITE 2
Add at end:
CARRIED
This Policy Forum believes that there is no coherent automation strategy. It is apparent that Royal Mail is inclined to finance a number of competing initiatives without any clarity around priorities or compatibility as well as the need to remove essential existing equipment to facilitate new machines.
This Forum is also concerned at the lack of any meaningful involvement of the CWU.
The Postal Executive must urgently engage with Royal Mail to prevent further occurrences of machine moves taking place without full involvement of the CWU, including Technical Services Representatives, to ensure such
decisions are in line with the BT2010 and the Agenda for Growth agreements for full consultation and genuine consensual change based on mutual interest.
This intervention is necessary in light of a recent undisclosed machine move of an iLSM from Peterborough Mail Centre to Chelmsford in February. This move took place without local, regional or National consultation with the CWU or notification to the NPG.
No further machine moves should take place until meaningful consultation has taken place in line with the principles of the Agenda for Growth, ie. Working together in a transparent way to develop letters strategy in a mutually beneficial way.
Consultation must consider the requirement to sustain the agreed Standard Maintenance Procedures (SMP) process to improve automation performance, quality and safety.
Should consultation not satisfy the above conditions it will be viewed as serious breach of current agreements and consideration will be given to raising a point of principle at National level.
Meridian
East Midlands
South Yorkshire
North East Anglia
4
Add at end:
CARRIED
This Policy forum recognises that with the inevitable reduction in the workforce going forward, that there should be no depreciation of the terms and conditions which are covered by the MTFS agreement and legally binding agreement.
Cleveland Amal
5
Add at end:
CARRIED
That management and CWU continue to explore more options to maintain the overall resourcing model based on predominately full time employment, with a diminishing indoor workload in Delivery and the option to look to extend outdoor delivery spans we must start to address the fatigue associated with longer spans. The CWU need to be at the forefront of developing spans that ensure our members are able to take breaks aligned to the structures, even if that means returning to the office to do so, thus giving a real opportunity for refreshment and replenishment which would be a mandatory requirement.
South and East Thames Amal
6
Add at End:
NOT CARRIED
That across RMG the CWU will engage in no further revision or savings activity until such a time as agreements are concluded on Recommendations 1.
Plymouth and East Cornwall Amal
7
Add at end:
CARRIED
However, if the business attempts to replace any of the agreements in recommendation 1 by executive action then a ballot 13 will be put in place
South East Wales Amal
RECOMMENDATION 2
8
COMPOSITE 3
Delete and Insert New Recommendation 2:
CARRIED
This policy forum recognises that Royal Mail have for some time systematically broken or not adhered to the following agreements
Filling of Vacancies (Stoke Agreement)
Increasing part time contracts hours in line with the agreed criteria in the Job Security agreement.
The Pay and Modernisation and the Agenda for Growth agreement in relation to reducing the use of agency staff and casuals.
Royal Mail’s contempt for these agreements has led to huge numbers of casuals, agency and managers performing OPG work at a time when we are being told that Royal Mail is inefficient.
Equally the above has led to falling quality of service standards and has put more pressure on CWU members.
The PEC is therefore instructed to negotiate a new Resourcing and Manpower agreement that is legally binding which includes the following points:
An improved filling of vacancies process which allows offices to agree a TM1 / establishment and for that to be recruited against and a process for filling any new vacancies.
That there should be the ability for the CWU and management to agree to recruit a vacancy to full time where there is suitable workload to support this and that this will be agreed at local level and not simply be blocked by the centre or HR.
That in line with the decision makers in the IR framework that local agreement can decide to increase a part timers contract where they are working above their contracted hours in line with the criteria of agenda for growth agreement.
That all sites where there are either casuals or agency staff working will undertake an review to establish what resourcing is needed against workload and if there is a need for an increase in staffing than this will be advertised as new Royal Mail jobs to be filled.
This list is not exhaustive
This policy forum further agrees that until the CWU achieves a new resourcing agreement than no further extension of the Walsall trial will be agreed and no agreement to roll out of their one wave strategy. If no agreement is achieved by conference 2016 than consideration will be given to suspending all support for revision activity.
An update on progress will be given at the CWU postal conference.
This PEC is instructed accordingly
London Divisional Committee
Anglia Divisional Committee
West London Postal
London South West
London Phoenix
South East London Postal and Counter
Northern/North West London
Mount Pleasant International
East London Postal
London Parcels and Stations Amal
London Postal Engineering
9
Add at End: If Carried 10 Falls
CARRIED
The 6-month reviews are a fundamental collective activity associated to both Agreements – Job Security and Agenda for Growth Stability and Long term Success (paragraph 2.7.7). So far Royal Mail has not matched its recorded commitments with actions, in the majority of cases. Therefore, going forward we need a framework process that provides assurances that these reviews have actually taken place inside a timely schedule.
These joint reviews will now take place in all Offices during the months of April and November. Local reviews will be undertaken and the outputs will be shared in area functional strategic involvement meetings. To support this, the Divisional Reps will meet with all the functional directors and IR manager to oversee that this commitment has been fulfilled. The headline data on staffing profiles and contractual reviews will form part of these higher level reviews. Once completed the collated data will then be fed back to the National Parties.
Midlands Divisional Committee
10
Add at End:
FELL AS 9 WAS CARRIED
Consideration will be given to introducing a formal process nationally that all joint reviews will now take place in all Offices during the months of April and October and the outputs shared with Divisional Representatives and National Officers.
Eastern No.6
11
Add at End: If Carried 12 Falls
CARRIED
In keeping with the principle of seeking a settlement for members that enforces and extends our existing agreements, in particular the JSA a comprehensive consultation exercise takes place, engaging our part time members to establish the size of the problem in terms of non adherence and application.
To ensure its application does not contravene the principles of seniority when increases in contractual hours are being considered.
That the 6 monthly reviews becomes a joint mandatory initiative overseen at HQ level. And is subject to National review on an ongoing basis.
Greater Manchester
12
Add at End:
FELL AS 11 WAS CARRIED
Time has now come for this union to use its influences in the workplace to expose Royal Mails failure to honour the job security agreement thus continuously obstructing opportunity to uplift part time to extra hours despite the glaring facts presented by the CWU at resource meetings and 6 monthly reviews. We need to consider where the unions priorities lie and use all means at our disposal to secure the terms of the policies contained in Motions in 31 at Conference 2014 and 97 in 2015 without further delay. It is no longer acceptable that our members lose out on average pay and permanent uplifts in hours whilst management work against the spirit of joint statements and legally binding agreements in place.
South and East Thames Amal
13
Add at End:
CARRIED
Given Royal Mail’s now preferred recruitment model of Agency staff conversions to OPG contracts, as a union we must ensure these members / workers are treated with fairness. Considering the time periods many such workers are in the industry ahead of receiving their contracts, the current business policy of new entrants terms & conditions (particularly around probationary periods and loss of sick pay) needs to be reviewed so it’s fit for purpose and a formal national Agency contract conversion agreement should be achieved to complement our existing nationally agreed policies on Resourcing. Furthermore, the CWU should strive for further recruitment and formal trade union recognition within these Employment Agencies where we have members to further ensure the betterment of these workers terms & conditions within our industry and fairness in opportunity.
South Midlands Postal
14
Add at End:
NOT CARRIED
This policy forum recognises that nearly half of Royal Mail’s workforce is currently over the age of 50, and that any future negotiations involving a 6 hour delivery should take this into account. The recent Long Term Fatigue Study No, 041/16 Ref; 600 highlighted some of the problems that our members have suffered as a result of prolonged workloads.
The postal executive is instructed to conduct a full examination prior to any negotiations, to ensure that our members don’t suffer any lasting effects as a result of Royal Mail’s 5 year savings plan. The finding are to be presented to all branches accordingly.
Cleveland Amal
15
Add at End:
NOT CARRIED
To ensure the business is serious regarding any commitment to cease the practice of managerial grades performing uniform grade work and to remove any budget and/or performance incentive for operational managers to attempt to circumvent such a commitment; the PEC is instructed to achieve agreement that in all cases where a manager performs uniform grade work, the hours will be recorded and a cash equivalent to the hours worked will be placed in an office bonus pot.
The sum accrued in the office bonus pot to be shared equally amongst the OPG graded staff in each office every 12 months in the second week of December.
Eastern No.3
16
Add at End:
CARRIED
This policy forum agrees that the job security agreement is in the main is an excellent national agreement. However, we recognise that that managers have not been deploying the agreement in spirit or intent.
Consequently this policy forum agrees the following;
The DGS(P) will inform RM that where a manager refuses to follow the Job Security Agreement we view this as a breach of the agreement which will deemed as executive action to which we will respond to accordingly.
In addition to (1) above we recognise that there is an anomaly with the agreement namely when additional hours are identified in line with para 3.3 less senior staff may be getting the advantage of increased contractual hourage. Therefore, any additional hours identified in line with para 3.3 should be attached to the duty that they are being regularly used against. This duty will then be deemed vacant, advertised and given to the most senior applicant thus ensuring the principle of seniority is maintained.
The PEC is instructed accordingly.
NW/NW Division
17
COMPOSITE 4
Add at end:
CARRIED
This Policy forum agrees that the CWU develop a training workshop to assist reps on the job security agreement and resourcing agreements as well as manpower planning assumptions.
North East Divisional Committee
Durham County Amal
South Yorkshire and District Amal
York and District Amal
Hull and East Ridings Amal
Newcastle Amal
18
Add at End:
NOT CARRIED
That across RMG the CWU will engage in no further revision or savings activity until such a time as agreements are concluded on Recommendations 2.
Plymouth and East Cornwall Amal
19
Add at End:
NOT CARRIED
If it is identified that Royal Mail are not adhering to the National Agreement and joint statement by Monday 25th April 2016 the CWU will call for a Rule 13 ballot.
South Central Postal
FUTURE DESIGN
RECOMMENDATION 3
20
Delete and add New Recommendation 3: If Carried 21 Falls
NOT CARRIED
That no agreement is given to OMP/Single Wave until a new pipeline/workplan is agreed which embraces the spirit and intent of the above report and ensures that the core of delivery duties will commence no later than 7am and which ensures that all deliveries are performed properly in line with our Agreements e.g. start times, equipment, tools and meal breaks.
South Central Postal
21
COMPOSITE 5
Add at end:
CARRIED
That this Policy Forum recognises that Royal Mail’s vision for the future is to artificially delay the work in the network to drive one wave and later deliveries.
Royal Mail’s far reaching strategy is based on significant numbers of job losses in all functions and the creation of a predominately part time flexible workforce.
This Policy Forum rejects Royal Mail’s strategy, and will oppose it by all means necessary.
Alternatively the CWU will launch a campaign amongst the Public, Businesses and Charities etc. which highlights the fact that Royal Mail’s first business plan post privatisation is to worsen the time that customers receive their mail.
Additionally the CWU will explore an alternative strategy which allows work to be delivered from 0700 on one or two or three deliveries.
This strategy will allow for bespoke services to be delivered later to grow the business i.e. later acceptance times and same day.
The CWU strategy will allow the opportunity to grow in the parcels business and protect full time jobs with well-paid part time jobs.
A joint working group will be set up with involvement of Officers, PEC, Field officials and Area reps and Branches to design the strategy which will be presented to Conference 2016 or another Policy Forum.
Any attempts by the Businesses to introduce one wave or other parts of their strategy without agreement will be resisted by all means necessary.
London Divisional Committee
Midlands Divisional Committee
London Parcels and Stations Amal
West London Postal
London No. 7
Postal Policy Forum
Dear Colleagues,
Ahead of a vital Postal Policy Forum this week please find below links to short videos from DGSP Terry Pullinger and three of the Assistant Secretaries. For the latest news from the forum please follow #TheCWU on social media and look out for reports on http://www.cwu.org
You can share these links with your colleagues via email, text message and social media.
Terry Pullinger https://www.facebook.com/ThecommunicationsUnion/videos/994725670606912/
Bob Gibson https://www.facebook.com/ThecommunicationsUnion/videos/992489104163902/
Davie Robertson https://www.facebook.com/ThecommunicationsUnion/videos/994416713971141/
Ray Ellis https://www.facebook.com/ThecommunicationsUnion/videos/994023810677098/
Petition Protect the elderly/vulnerable and make Meals on Wheels services statutory
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/111854
Petition Protect the elderly/vulnerable and make Meals on Wheels services statutory
The discretionary Meals on Wheels service is being cut to save money. We cannot allow anymore older or vulnerable people to be victims of spending cuts. The Government must make it statutory to stop those at risk in the community being malnourished, hospitalised, lonely and isolated
Meals on Wheels deliver a hot subsidised meal to older/vulnerable & disabled people in the community, keeping them well-nourished & tackling issues affecting older people today – loneliness, isolation and safety in the home. Ongoing budget cuts are threatening provision. Over 1/3 of councils no longer have a service. The next wave of spending cuts will bring more closures and leave more people without access to a hot meal. This must stop. The service must be statutory protected.
New Sentencing Guidelines for Dangerous Dog Offences
New Sentencing Guidelines for Dangerous Dog Offences
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
Further to LTB 175/2016, issued on 17th March 2016, those interested can watch the Chairman of the Sentencing Council, Lord Justice Treacy, introduce the new dangerous dogs offences court sentencing guidelines in a two and a half minutes YouTube video Clip.
Please follow the link: https://youtu.be/zpg6-RN_3yc
As previously reported, the Sentencing Council has introduced revised guidelines for judges and magistrates on the sentencing of dangerous dog offences, following changes to the dangerous dogs act offences legislation in 2014 which came about as a direct result of the CWU ‘Bite-Back’ Campaign. The main change extended the law to cover attacks that occur on private property and brought in higher sentences as well as the introduction of control orders, new police seizure powers and the introduction of a new offence to cover attacks on guide dogs. The legislation made very significant increases to maximum sentences. For example, the maximum sentence for an offence where someone is killed increased from two to 14 years and for where someone is injured from two to five years. The guidelines will come into force in July 2016.
Full details of the guidelines can be found in LTB 175/2016.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Tick Bite Prevention & Awareness Campaign 2016 – Tick Season March – October
Tick Bite Prevention & Awareness Campaign 2016 – Tick Season March – October
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
Lack of awareness
Many people have never heard of ticks. Others do know what they are but are unaware that British and Irish ticks can carry and transmit a number of diseases to all manner of wildlife, livestock, domestic pets and humans. Other people have grown up in situations where they have been in regular contact with ticks but perhaps feel that, so far, they have only been a mild irritation and are nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, various combined factors now mean that we are at increased risk of contracting a tick-borne infection.
Tick Bite Prevention Week has launched the annual awareness campaign to coincide with the onset of Tick season (March to October) and provides information to help prevent ticks from biting people and pets. It also gives advice on what to do if ticks do attach. The campaign week is held in early spring when the weather gets warmer, people spend more time outdoors and ticks become more active. Once again this year the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department will be working with the two main Charities involved in Ticks and Tick-borne disease issues in the UK.
There are two Charities striving for greater awareness of Lyme disease and associated tick-borne diseases.
‘BADA-UK’ (Borreliosis and Associated Diseases Awareness UK) Charity
BADA-UK Campaigns to address the increasing problem of Ticks and Tick-borne disease in the United Kingdom. BADA-UK believes that public and professional awareness is key to combating the rise in cases of tick-borne disease. Formed by a group of people who were brought together by the effects of Tick-borne disease (Borreliosis/Lyme disease and other associated infections) they understand, perhaps better than anyone, the devastating effects that these diseases can have.
Therefore we are glad to support their efforts to help prevent others from falling victim to them.
‘Lyme Disease Action’ Charity
The Lyme Disease Action Charity exists to address the current lack of awareness of Lyme disease amongst the public, the medical profession and the Department of Health and its Agencies. They say that: The Public is often unaware that ticks can carry disease. Patients may ignore a rash and being unaware of the significance of some symptoms, do not relate them to their GP. Thus easily diagnosed early Lyme disease can become very difficult-to-diagnose late and chronic Lyme disease. Doctors often believe that Lyme does not exist in their area, they do not recognise the rash and they are unaware of the wide variation of symptoms that can affect almost every part of the body. The Department of Health is guided by the Health Protection Agency and believes that awareness and diagnostic capability amongst doctors is adequate. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) believes that Lyme disease is rare, easily curable if caught early and readily diagnosed by their tests. The HPA also believes that chronic Lyme disease does not exist. The LDA website provides information on these issues and to keep everyone aware of what the charity is doing to improve the situation for those who suffer from Lyme disease and other tick borne diseases.
‘Warning’ to both outdoor workers and outdoor-pursuits enthusiasts
The BADA-UK Charity is ‘Warning’ both outdoor workers and outdoor-pursuits enthusiasts to be vigilant about the potential increased risk of Tick Bites this spring through the annual awareness campaign. If you are involved in outdoor activities working or leisure which take you into the countryside or into parks or gardens or areas of vegetation and foliage where there’s lots of wildlife (such as squirrels, hedgehogs, foxes, badgers mice, deer, birds), you may be at risk of tick bites. Farm animals can also carry Ticks. The NFU report that Sheep act as a “mop” as Ticks attach themselves to the animals as they graze. Ticks can carry a number of infective organisms which can sometimes make people and pets ill if they get bitten. Simple precautions can help to keep you safe. There are several species of tick in the UK, but the one most likely to bite humans is the sheep tick. Despite its name, the sheep tick will feed from a wide variety of mammals and birds. The Tick bite itself is usually painless and most people will only know they have been bitten if they happen to see a feeding tick attached to them. Once a tick has started to feed, its body will become filled with blood and can swell to many times its original size.
Increasing Risk
Reports suggest that the Tick population in the UK and its distribution is increasing and with it comes the risk of contracting Lyme Disease (Borreliosis) and other Tick-Borne diseases. New research published in January suggests that the prevalence of Lyme Disease Bacteria in the UK Tick Population is considerably higher than most recent estimates indicated. We do know that the number of confirmed cases of Lyme disease is on the rise. The reason for the increase can’t be pinpointed exactly, but factors may include an increase in the UK’s deer population, damper summers, milder winters, higher recreational use of parks and countryside and a modest increase in awareness of the disease.
More contact with ticks – Recent increased risks could be due to a number of probable factors
• An increasing number of residential and business estates are encroaching on rural surroundings.
• A greater number of people are involved in outdoor recreational and sporting pursuits which take them into tick habitat.
• Climate change has resulted in milder winters. Ticks, which are active at temperatures as low as 3.5 °C, have more opportunity to feed and breed.
• Another result of climate change has been an extended growing season for vegetation. This has increased the number of some of the tick’s host species, which in turn means more available hosts for the ticks.
• A reduction in certain practices such as sheep dipping, moorland burning and bracken control have allowed large numbers of ticks to survive. Dipped sheep act as a mop for ticks, which die when they come into contact with the treated fleece. Moorland burning and bracken control kills ticks that are present in the vegetation.
• Following the EU ban of the herbicide Asulam at the end of 2011, bracken spread is expected to increase, providing even more suitable habitats for ticks.
Whatever the cause of the increase, it is important for everyone to know how to effectively prevent being bitten. If a bite does occur, it is extremely important to know how to correctly remove an attached Tick because this can help prevent disease transmission.
Number of Cases Per Year in the UK
The Health Protection Agency believes the figures to be around 3,000 cases of Lyme Disease per year in the UK. The Charity ‘Lyme Disease Action’ believes the true numbers are much higher – probably over 15,000 cases per year – as many go undiagnosed.
CWU Members
A small number of CWU members have unfortunately reported suffering Tick Bites and subsequently contracted Lyme Disease infection which can be transmitted by Ticks. Following contact from these members, the Health, Safety and Environment Department agreed to support the awareness campaign and Tick-Bite prevention week.
Forestry Commission Trade Unions
The Forestry Commission Trade Union; PCS, Unite, Prospect, GMB take the risk seriously and regularly work with the Commission to train, inform and brief their members of the problem and risks. They provided the following report from a member and joint guidance information issued to their members.
A Worker’s Cautionary Tale!
An outdoor worker and Union Member told his own story from personal experience as follows: Do ticks find you palatable? Some people are very attractive to Sheep Ticks, common on many animals including Deer in Forests, Parks and countryside. I am one of the unlucky ones, and occasionally picked up a Tick on clothing when walking through woodland. Last year my job involved working on the Lodge in part of Alice Holt Forest in Hampshire near Farnham, Surrey. Ticks are prevalent there, and I had picked up Ticks there before despite wearing high boots. One day in July I noticed a circular dark red rash on my lower leg about 5cm in diameter – no discomfort, no itching, no ‘flu-like’ symptoms, and no Tick. This was noticed about a week after the most recent possible exposure. I visited my GP the next day and said I suspected Lyme Disease; he agreed, took a blood sample, and immediately started me on a two-week course of antibiotics. The positive blood result came back ten days later. I suppose I’m lucky in that the conspicuous circular rash appeared. It’s by no means universal and in the absence of any other symptoms could have gone untreated, with a plethora of very serious secondary symptoms appearing months or even years later. Caught in the initial stage, Lyme disease is easily treatable. I don’t think that clothing has a significant effect on Tick establishment – once they are on your clothes they will wander until they find exposed skin – usually wrists or neck. Insect repellent may help in making clothing less attractive, but ticks can attach at any height that you brush against vegetation.
Raising awareness, and checking for feeding Ticks in the evening following fieldwork is the best route to prevention. If feeding Ticks are removed, monitor the feeding site for rash development, though it must be born in mind that a rash doesn’t always develop. The tick season is now in session again – stay vigilant!
Awareness and Early Diagnosis Crucial!
In some cases, the absence of any early symptoms and misdiagnosis of symptoms has meant that in some cases, infection has gone untreated, with a number of serious secondary symptoms appearing months or even years later. If it’s caught at an early stage, Lyme Disease is easily treatable with antibiotics. The prognosis for a patient is usually good if Tick-borne diseases are treated early and adequately. However, misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, incorrect treatment, or total lack of treatment, has resulted in Tick-Bite victims being ill for many years. For some this can lead to permanent disability. Therefore once again this year CWU are supporting the campaign to raise awareness and ensure that as many CWU Members and families are “Tick Aware”
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium carried by mammals and birds. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected Tick. If it is transmitted to humans it can lead to serious illness if not quickly diagnosed and treated. Lyme disease was given its name in 1975 after a cluster of cases were reported at ‘Old Lyme’ in Connecticut, USA. The disease has now been reported in a number of European countries including Great Britain and Ireland, although still rare, the number of reported cases is rising each year.
What are Ticks?
Ticks are tiny, parasitic, spider-like creatures commonly found in woodland and heathland areas but can also now be found in parks and gardens. They feed mainly on blood from mammals, such as deer and sheep, and birds, rabbits, foxes, hedgehogs, rodents etc., but will occasionally bite humans. Ticks become infected with the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease when they feed on animals carrying the bacterium in their blood. There are many different species of Tick living in the UK but humans can become infected with Lyme disease if they are bitten by ‘hard-bodied’ ticks – sometimes known as ‘deer’, ‘sheep’ or ‘wood’ ticks. Humans are bitten by both ‘nymph’ and ‘adult’ Ticks which have eight legs (the tiny larvae have only six!) Adults vary slightly in colour, ranging from reddish brown to dark brown or black, and differ in size, depending on the species, age and sex of the Tick, and whether or not it has fed. An unfed adult female tick is around 3mm long and is small, oval and flat. After feeding, female ticks can grow to up to 11mm long. Males are smaller, at around 2.5mm, and the nymphs smaller still, at around 1.5mm.
Who is at risk?
The risk of contracting Lyme disease in the UK is small, although anyone coming into contact with Ticks through work or leisure activities may be exposed to tick bites that could potentially transmit Lyme disease. At least 50% of infections acquired in the UK are known to have been acquired in southern counties of England. High risk areas for Lyme disease are considered to be the New Forest, Thetford Forest, Exmoor, the South Downs, North York moors, the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands and Islands. However, any area where hard-bodied ticks are present should be regarded as a potential risk area.
When are the risks highest?
Peak times of year for tick activity are late spring, early summer and in the autumn (March – October). The risks of being bitten are higher at these times. If you are bitten the risk of contracting Lyme disease can be reduced by removing the tick promptly. Ticks usually take between three and five days to complete their feed and the risk of an infected Tick transmitting bacteria is low during the first 24 hours that it is attached to the skin.
Where are ticks found?
Ticks are found throughout the UK, and are common in woodland, heathland and moorland areas. Ticks will also be found in Country Parks where deer are now common, including London City Parks (such as Richmond Park in suburban London) as well as in rural areas; you can be just about anywhere in the UK and a tick can latch on to you. They are less frequently found in coniferous forests. Areas inhabited by deer or livestock are particularly suitable habitats for Ticks. Late spring, early summer and autumn are peak times for feeding – Ticks are often found at these times seeking suitable hosts in areas of bracken and long grass. Although cold temperatures reduce Tick activity, in warmer areas of the UK during mild weather conditions elsewhere, Ticks will be active throughout the year. They can occasionally get into rural gardens as the hedgehog tick and fox tick also carry and transmit Lyme disease so, wherever there are hedgehogs or foxes, there is a risk of Lyme disease – in overgrown urban gardens and town parks alike.
How can I avoid getting bitten?
If you are likely to be exposed to Ticks you should ensure that your skin is covered. Wear trousers instead of shorts – preferably made from light-coloured, closely-woven, smooth material. Gaps between footwear and trousers should be avoided – if possible wear gaiters. Consider using a spray-on insect repellent on trouser legs and to protect any uncovered areas of skin. Inspect your clothing and skin regularly for Ticks – they can be brushed off easily before becoming attached to the skin. Check again carefully when you undress – Ticks often attach themselves in skin folds, behind the knees and in warm, moist parts of the body such as the armpits or groin.
What should I do if I am bitten? and How should I remove a tick?
Don’t panic! If you do find a tick attached to your skin you should remove it as soon as possible. Even if the Tick is carrying an infection it is very unlikely to transmit it in the first few hours of its feed, so early removal is a very effective prevention measure. It is best to use a special Tick removal tool or small long-nosed tweezers or forceps to remove the Tick. Grip the head of the tick as close to your skin as possible. If you don’t have a tick removal tool or long noses tweezers, use a thread of cotton wound round close to the skin and pull upwards or, alternatively, cut a slit in a plastic card and slide that under the Tick’s body. Pull steadily upwards and away from the skin, taking care not to squeeze or crush the body of the Tick. Clean the bite area afterwards with hot, soapy water or an antiseptic wipe. Specially designed and inexpensive ‘Tick Remover Tools’ can be bought from pet shops and veterinary practices – these may be useful for people working in areas where they will have frequent exposure to Ticks. Do not burn a tick off! Never apply heat (e.g. using a lit cigarette or match). Squashing it with your fingers or smothering it in Vaseline or lemon juice is totally the wrong way to handle Tick removal. Irritants such as these may stimulate the Tick and cause the Tick to regurgitate the contents of its stomach, potentially infected material into the bloodstream of the person on whom it is feeding – increasing the chance of infection by transmission of the Borrelia bacteria that can cause Lyme disease. Do Not cover an attached tick with volatile oils, perfume, alcohol, Vaseline or other chemicals.
Will I know if I’ve been bitten?
Not necessarily. Ticks are tiny – and, because they inject their host with an anaesthetic, their bite does not cause irritation and can easily go undetected. UK studies report that about one in three people do not notice a Tick bite and, as tick bites do not itch like mosquito bites, awareness is important to aid diagnosis.
Do all ticks carry Lyme disease?
No. There have been few studies in the UK, but those that have analysed Tick infection rates have found between 2% and 17% of ticks to carry Lyme disease. This is why awareness of Lyme disease is so vital, as people need to know what symptoms to look out for.
How do I know if I am at risk of Lyme disease?
If any of the signs or symptoms described below appear within days or weeks of known tick bites or exposure to ticks, you should seek medical advice from your GP. Diagnosed and treated early, Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics. Tell your GP that you have been exposed to ticks so that they can consider the possibility of Lyme disease. Diagnosis is difficult because symptoms can mimic those of other diseases, and is easiest when there is a skin rash – however this does not occur in all affected people. The GP may take a blood test to assist in the diagnosis. It is important to emphasise that a ‘positive’ blood test does not mean that you have Lyme disease, or that you will necessarily develop the disease. It only signifies that you have been exposed to the infecting organism and your body has produced antibodies to the bacteria concerned.
Symptoms
Lyme disease or Lyme Borreliosis [bore-EL-ee-OH-sis] is caused by bacteria called Borrelia. Early symptoms can develop within weeks. A characteristic skin rash (erythema migrans) may appear a few days after an infected bite. It begins as a red spot at the site of the bite and enlarges as a faint pink ring some 2-3 cm wide leaving a central clear area that results in a ‘bull’s eye’ appearance. It can expand and move around the body. This rash may not occur in all cases, however, or it may be so faint that it escapes notice. Other early signs to look out for are flu-like symptoms, including tiredness, chills, fever, headache, muscle and/or joint pain, swollen glands in the groin, armpit or neck and blurred vision. At this stage the infection responds well to treatment with appropriate antibiotics. If early symptoms are not recognised, in a small number of cases secondary complications can sometimes develop weeks, months, or even years later. These are rare, but the joints, nervous system and, even more rarely, the heart may be affected. However, like the earlier symptoms, these complications respond well to treatment, so prompt and correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important. Symptoms of these secondary, but rare, complications include shifting joint pains, muscle pains, abnormal fatigue, a sensation of burning, numbness of the skin, persistent headache and localised loss of muscle power.
Does everyone with Lyme disease get a rash?
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone who is bitten by an infected Tick will get the text-book circular red rash – surveys have shown that around one in three do not see a rash. Other symptoms include headaches, a stiff neck, extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and disturbances of sight, hearing, digestive system and sleep. If left untreated it can progress to the joints, the heart and the nervous system.
Diseases that can be caught from a Tick bite in the UK
There are over 53 types of virus carried by certain Tick species in the UK. There are a number of bacterial, viral, rickettsial and protozoal diseases carried by UK Ticks. Several of these can cause debilitating symptoms in humans. However, there are no vaccines available to defend against them. Therefore, awareness and preventative measures are the best defence. Three of the diseases that can be caught from a Tick Bite in the UK are: Lyme disease (borreliosis), Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis. Some Ticks carry all three of these diseases at the same time and can transfer them to you in a single bite. Other infections carried by UK Ticks include TBE, Louping ill, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, Bartonellosis. The resulting symptoms can be extremely confusing and liable to misdiagnosis. Treatment in such cases can be difficult. Globally, the list of diseases is much longer.
What precautions should I be taking to avoid Tick Bite and Lyme disease?
First and foremost, check yourself for Ticks during the day and very carefully when you wash or shower after walking, working, jogging, playing or cycling outdoors in the type of areas described in this LTB. When possible, avoid exposing the skin, wear long sleeves, trousers, boots when walking through long grass, vegetation etc. Be vigilant – do a Tick check and brush off clothing before going inside. Often ticks will hide in warm dark corners of the body, such as the groin, back of the legs, underarms or hairline and even in your belly button. Remove any ticks found attached as soon as possible. Wear light coloured clothing as you’ll have a better chance of seeing a dark Tick crawling on you before it makes its way to your skin. Use an insect repellent (look for those containing DEET) and try to avoid areas of overgrown vegetation. Sticking to trails and footpaths as Ticks hang out in high vegetation, waiting for a passing host and when your leg brushes through the vegetation, the Tick transfers to your body.
Risks to Travellers Abroad
Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) is a potentially life-threatening and debilitating disease of the nervous system. It can lead to meningitis and in serious cases result in paralysis and death, with two in every one hundred cases proving fatal. The Tick Alert campaign states that there are on average 13,000 cases of TBE in Europe every year. The campaign website http://www.tickalert.org contains a ‘TBE Travel Check’ that helps travellers find out if they might be at risk of the disease. The TBE Travel Check gives people a better understanding of the risks before they travel so they can think about the need for precautions against the disease. The Tick Alert website also includes the latest updates on TBE risk, prevention measures taken by health authorities in various countries and an interactive map showing risk areas of Europe. Vaccinations against TBE are available from GP surgeries, health centres and MASTA Travel Clinics. Travellers to endemic areas may be at risk when walking, camping or working in woodland terrain where they will be exposed to the Ticks. 12,000 Cases are reported annually. It is endemic in western and central Europe and is transmitted by Ticks. It is common in forest and mountainous regions of Austria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Switzerland, western Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Croatia and Slovenia. It occurs at a lower frequency in Denmark, France, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein, Italy, Romania, Norway, the Åland archipelago and neighbouring Finnish coastline, and Sweden. It is probable that TBE also occurs in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia and Montenegro and Moldova, although little data are available on the incidence of disease within these countries. Thousands of cases of TBE occur each year from late spring to early autumn; between 2005 and 2009 the total number of annual cases in Western European countries averaged 3,000. In Eastern Europe it occurs in the spring and summer months in eastern Russia and some countries in East Asia, particularly in forested regions of China and Japan. It is also endemic in Siberia and is also transmitted by Ticks. The virus has also been isolated in Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia.
Don’t panic but be ‘Tick Aware’!
There is no need to be afraid or panic about Ticks but an awareness of their presence, the simple precautions that can be taken against tick bites, and how to remove them safely, is key to avoiding contracting tick-borne diseases. It’s more a case of being aware; knowing how to reduce the chances of being bitten, how to remove a tick and knowing what to look out for in the way of symptoms. We do know, however, that the number of confirmed cases of Lyme disease is on the rise.
Further Information
Lyme Disease Action Charity: http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk
BADA-UK (Borreliosis and Associated Diseases Awareness UK) Charity: http://www.bada-uk.org
Attachments Leaflets & Poster
• Ticks in Britain
• Tick-borne diseases in Britain
• Ticks & Lyme Disease
• Lyme Disease the Facts
• Tick Awareness Poster ‘Watch Out! – Ticks About!’
NOTE: All the content of this LTB is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The contents are based on professional information provided by the Charities and organisations referred to in the LTB and we wish to record our thanks for their assistance and guidance.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
· Attachment 1 – 16LTB176 Tick Bite Prevention & Awareness Campaign 2016 – Tick Season March – October
· Attachment 2 – Tick Awareness Poster ‘Watch Out! Ticks About!’
· Attachment 3 – Ticks Leaflet 1
· Attachment 4 – Ticks Leaflet 2
· Attachment 5 – Tick Leaflet 3
· Attachment 6 – Tick Leaflet 4
