Post workers cleared after theft inquiry

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Post workers cleared after theft inquiry
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/bu ... ticle.html



Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 07:20



FOUR postal workers suspended amid allegations of theft and failing to deliver mail have returned to work.

Royal Mail suspended six workers at Stone delivery office in September – two of whom have since resigned.

But after bosses launched an internal investigation, the four other employees are now back at work at the delivery office at Stone Business Park.

Union representatives said the workers were cleared of any wrongdoing after disciplinary hearings took place.

A spokesman for Royal Mail said: "Following a full investigation the four employees have now returned to work."

He added that bosses have not yet made a decision on whether to take further action against the two workers who resigned.

He said: "We are waiting on advice from our legal team."

The delivery office, in Opal Way, employs around 38 people.

Union representatives said they were pleased the four employees are back at work, but accused Royal Mail bosses of being too heavy-handed in dealing with their cases.

Area delivery representative Malcolm Brundrett, from the Communication Workers' Union (CWU), represented the workers at formal hearings around two weeks ago.

He said: "Four employees were suspended from duty for up to a month while Royal Mail did their investigations, which culminated in them facing formal disciplinary hearings.

"I'm pleased to say that following representation it was found that the employees had no case to answer and they have all been placed back on duty."

Mr Brundrett added: "It was distressing that Royal Mail had to suspend them for a month – the company certainly had a rush of blood to the head.

"The fact that they were suspended doesn't mean disciplinary action in itself, it's a precautionary measure the business can take.

"My criticism would be the fact that it took them so long to hear the cases."

A spokesman for Royal Mail said the company cannot comment on disciplinary issues relating to individual personnel.