CWU – Branch Youth Officer – Quarterly Newsletter
Christmas & Winter 2016/2017
Dear Member,
Please find below the newsletter for winter 2016/2017. Any queries can be directed to myself by replying to this email.
Contents
Christmas Bonus
Christmas Pressure
Christmas & Debt
Christmas & Bereavement
Cold Weather
Utility Bills
Legal Services
Christmas Bonus – Royal Mail
This year’s Christmas Bonus for staff who work within Royal Mail is £100 plus a £100 incentive payment (pro-rata) which is the same as the last few years. This is due to be paid on the last payday before Christmas which is Friday 23rd December.
Christmas Pressure
Hard to believe but we are now in the busiest week of Christmas Pressure, I know it comes every year and can be tough but in a couple of weeks it will all be done and dusted. I appreciate that whilst it is the busiest time and can be very stressful when mail is poorly addressed, delivery to neighbour and missing out on tips, Just remember to stay safe, don’t take any risks and report any accidents or near misses to your line manager/rep.
Christmas & Debt
I am sure that most of you would have completed most of your Christmas shopping by now but if you are struggling to afford presents try to limit down the value of products your buying. A tip I was given one year when I was struggling was to buy people scratchcards. I am always very wary about credit cards and payday loans when it’s not needed.
Christmas & Bereavement
This time of year can be a real struggle for some who have sadly lost those who were close to them. It can be difficult to try and have a normal Christmas like in years past, but for those who are struggling, I can assure you that it does get better in time but if you need any support at this time of year I have put a link below.
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/bereavement/pages/bereavement.aspx
| Bereavement – Live Well – NHS Choices
Find out about coping with bereavement after the death of a loved one, including losing a parent, child or someone you’ve been caring for, miscarriage, stillbirth and … |
Cold Weather
It is really important that you have the correct footwear and uniform for the conditions you are working in, especially in snow and ice. If you don’t have them or cannot get them authorised by the uniform department speak to your manager. Remember if it doesn’t look safe don’t do it. Highlight any safety issues to your manager and keep the walklog updated even if it’s not your delivery. Try to make sure it’s always reported. If you cannot deliver to an address or area because of a safety issue, make sure you notify your manager at the earliest opportunity to avoid any potential delay conduct issues.
Utility Bills
Early indications show that as early as March, electricity and gas prices could rise by up to 10%. It would be wise to stay on the safe side and do a comparison to switch suppliers on a fixed rate. Whilst you may have to pay the higher prices in the end it may save you a few quid in the short run.
Legal Services + Free Wills
As part of your membership with the CWU, you are entitled to free legal services through Unionline.
They also offer a Free Will Service for members! I have just done this myself as me and my partner are not married and I would hate to think that if the worst was to happen then he would be left out and struggle to cope. It did take a couple of months to come back but it is quite simple.
We also have a Legal & Medical rep within the branch who can assist you with certain aspects.
| UNIONLINE – Your Trade union Law Firm
UNIONLINE was formed by the GMB and CWU unions to provide legal services for its members. Specialists in personal injury, accidents at work, employment rights, |
If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact me!
The next newsletter will be in March.
Regards
Matt Bellamy
Youth Officer
Eastern No5 Branch
PO Box 438
Peterborough
PE4 5PE
