Langley Inquiry Into Dog Attacks on Postal Workers

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Letter to Branches




No. 409/12
Ref P18
Date: 30 May 2012

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues

Langley Inquiry Into Dog Attacks on Postal Workers - 'CWU Bite-Back Campaign':

Background:

Following meetings and progressive discussions with Donald Brydon Chairman of Royal Mail Group and Jon Millidge Royal Mail Group Company Secretary, Royal Mail Group confirmed that henceforth they would give the company's full backing to the CWU 'Bite-Back' Campaign. Subsequently, multi-organisation 'Joint Statements' supporting 'Bite-Back' campaign initiatives signed by 20 to 30 organisations included Royal Mail Group and subsequently the Chairman and Board have been considering a number of ways to back the campaign including a proposed Conference of employers with employees affected by dog attacks and a Public Inquiry.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                
In March Donald Brydon, Chairman of Royal Mail Group, announced the launch of an independent Inquiry into dog attacks on postal workers to be led by Sir Gordon Langley into the prevalence and consequences of attacks by dogs on postal workers in the UK with the objective of making recommendations to address them in addition the Inquiry report would bring added pressure on the government to take action to address the shortcomings in the current law and enforcement in respect of Dangerous Dogs.

Launch:
Mr. Brydon stated that there are around four thousand dog attacks on Royal Mail employees each year, resulting in injuries - many severe, - and considerable
trauma. Despite significant organisational effort to control employee exposure, and an outstanding and ongoing campaign - "Bite Back", led by the CWU - the
number of attacks remains unacceptably high. The Inquiry will look more widely than just at primary legislation and therefore will look beyond current proposed amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Inquiry Terms of Reference:
The Inquiry will:-
• seek to ascertain why so many employees are subject to dog attacks whilst delivering mail
• consider the background and human consequences of continuing dog attacks on postmen and postwomen
• consider existing relevant laws and regulations and the extent to which they are adequate and enforced
• consider any relevant actions taken by other employers in the UK or elsewhere
• make recommendations with a view to achieving a reduction in attacks
Inquiry Team Appointments:
Sir Gordon Langley was called to the Bar in 1966 and practiced for 29 years, being appointed as Queen’s Counsel in 1983. In 1995 he became a High
Court Judge, both as a Judge sitting in the Commercial Court and at the Bar his practice has been focused on Commercial litigation. Since retiring as a
Judge Sir Gordon Langley sits as an Arbitrator. Sir Gordon was appointed to lead the Inquiry.
Robert Allnutt is a solicitor and was formerly General Counsel and Company Secretary of Amersham plc. Robert was appointed Inquiry Secretary

Evidence Gathering
All interested parties are invited to submit evidence and proposals for action to the Inquiry in writing to the Inquiry
Secretary, Robert Allnutt by post to:-
Robert Allnutt
Secretary to the Langley Inquiry
3rd Floor
100 Victoria Embankment
London
EC4Y 0HQ

or, by e-mail to langleyinquiry@gmail.com

Timetable:
The Inquiry is expected to report later this year.

Comments:
Donald Brydon Royal Mail Chairman commented: “It is an offence to decency that good people should suffer these attacks when carrying out their daily jobs and serving the public. I am delighted that Sir Gordon has agreed to carry out this Inquiry.”

Dave Joyce, CWU National Health & Safety Officer, CWU said "This is a very positive and welcomed development at a key  moment and will definitely raise the profile of the issue and influence the public and political debate and strengthen the case for change which is overwhelming and must not be further delayed."

Submissions:
Both verbal and substantial written evidence has been submitted to the Inquiry team by the Health, Safety & Environment Department and following discussions with Langley and Nuttall I have been requested to do further work and make further detailed responses on an number of issues including the Dangerous Dogs Study Group, Scotland Law, Dog Control Notices, CWU Members victims Criminal Prosecutions and Civil Claim Cases, Cardiff University Research on Status Dogs & Ppreventative strategy, the Welsh Assembly debate, Police investigations in to Postal Worker dog attack cases, Compulsory Third Party Dog Insurance and the government position, LA/Council local Dog by-laws and Training Programmes, Dog Registration Schemes, licensing and micro-chipping.


Close of Written Evidence Gathering Submissions:
The Langley Inquiry is about to close its written evidence gathering submissions over the next fortnight. If Branches, Representatives, Safety Reps or Regional Health and Safety Forum wish to make a submission, see above Terms of Reference and details for responses to be sent direct to Robert Allnutt Secretary to the Langley Inquiry. Responses should be sent promptly.

Yours Sincerely


Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer