suspension update

[jasont79]

hi i have receved a letter today from my office with regards to my suspension i have been suspended for mail integrity what does this mean

[doob]

Integrity of mail is in regard of having mail visible in the van and it being unsafe and at a risk of being tampered with or stolen.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

You should sign a declaration every year on Mail Integrity, and it should look something like this

Please note this is neither an agreed nor an up to date copy.

SAFEGUARDING MAIL AGAINST LOSS OR THEFT
Employees have a responsibility for safeguarding mail against loss or theft. Failure to safeguard the mail may lead to a charge under the Conduct Code. The following are examples of incidents of failure to safeguard, which could lead to loss or theft of mail:

Everyday mails integrity means we must:
(p) Ensure valuable items are locked in the security box contained in the vehicle.
(q) Ensure all mail stored in the rear of the vehicle is out of sight.
(r) Lock vehicle doors and windows when the vehicle is unattended.
(s) Use the ABC equipment where in operation.
(t) Swipe the barcode where this is in operation to confirm the box has been emptied, when collecting from mail boxes
(u) Perform all due collections to the specification and never before the displayed time on the plate and changing the tab on the last collection.
(v) Ensure you do not leave special delivery items unsecured in a vehicle.
(w) Ensure you do not leave pouches or bags unattended in unauthorised places.
(x) Leave a P739 card if you cannot get a packet through a letterbox and no one is in to take receipt; never leave items on doorsteps or similar insecure places.
(y) Leave a P739 card if you cannot obtain signatures for special delivery or recorded delivery items (note - a neighbour’s signature is not acceptable).
(z) Always lock or secure delivery equipment when you have to leave it (for example, if issued with a trolley, lock it or secure it when required to do so). Your manager is responsible for supplying keys & locks for any trolleys you are issued with.
(aa) And if it is necessary, pouching off by the agreed standard operating procedure (these procedures are laid out on a notice board in every office and are as laid out in Delivery SOP 228, which can be provided by your line manager).
(bb) Report any crimes against you or Royal Mail to the security helpdesk as soon as you are safe (make sure you know the Security Help Desk number, 020 – 7239 – 6655).
(cc) And if you find equipment that is broken or insecure, please report this to your line manager (for example, if the locks on your trolley become broken).
(dd) Do not wilfully delay mail – it is an offence (under Sections 83 & 84 of the Postal Services Act) for any employee to intentionally delay mail without proper authority from their manager, the outcome of which may lead to a charge of ‘wilful delay to mail’ under the Conduct Code, as agreed jointly by Royal Mail, CWU and CMA. (for the definition of wilful delay, please refer to Section 17 and Appendix 3 of the Conduct Code).

Also, if you are on a driving duty, please see the Security Rules for Drivers, Annex 1 of the Driver’s Manual, that you have been issued with, for the full details).

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
As a Royal Mail employee, you have a responsibility, depending upon your work area, to deliver, sort, collect or distribute mail. If, for any reason, you think you will have difficulties in carrying out your job, which could lead to mail being delayed, you should speak to your manager immediately, who will give you the necessary guidance and instructions (please also refer to Section 17 & Appendix 3 of the Conduct Code).

If having commenced delivery or collection you are prevented from completing your duty for any previously unforeseen reason, it is essential that this is reported to your manager immediately, either by returning to the office or by telephone. (again, please also refer to Section 17 & Appendix 3 of the Conduct Code).

Please make a note of your office number and keep it with you whilst on duty. Make sure you know the Security Help Desk number (020 – 7239 – 6655) should you need to report a crime. All telephone expenses incurred in these respects will be reimbursed. You will be provided with a copy of out of hours contact numbers.

SUMMARY
Clearly, loss or delay to mail is an extremely serious matter and it is important that all employees understand their responsibilities. As a responsible employer, Royal Mail has your best interests at heart and aims to give you the best possible support to carry out your job and ensure our customers continue to receive the highest standards of service.

Having listened to the advice of your manager, and noted the contents of this letter, you should have a clear understanding of the rules in place to enable us to meet the high standards of service our customers demand.

If you have any questions arising from the contents of this letter, please speak to your line manager.

Thank you for your support and for your everyday efforts to keep our customer’s mail safe, which I appreciate.

Yours sincerely





Delivery Sector Manager

[35wayno]

Jason,

Ignore the statement from the previous thread about reasonable belief that you may have taken your lad in the van, you clearly picked your lad up and waited for the missus to meet you. They may want to charge you with integrity of mail issues, you have stated there was no mail visible and that the window was slightly down. As far as that goes you are on solid ground. The manager states that the vehicle was unlocked and that in itself is a serious issue and staff have been dismissed on those grounds when mail has been in the van. Stick to the truth, plead for leniency and admit that you were in the wrong and show genuine remorse. Get your union rep to speak to the interviewing Dom and see if he can get an idea of where this case is going.

Good luck

[Bishbashbbosh]

From my experience... DOMs are a lot more lenient when you are honest and 'remorseful'. Play on the what impact losing your job would have and come across like just want to get back to work. Depending on the union/manager relationship in the office, the union don't always help. Some union reps are really not so smart and will try and weasel you out of it... To which the DOM won't be favourable to.

[Spedley]

Just an extra point - my van unlocks the driver door with one button press and all doors with 2 key presses (Vaux Combi). Even if my driver door was unlocked or the window open the mail in the back would still be just as secure - it would still require a thief to overcome a Royal Mail approved key-lock to steel anything.