Royal Mail defends "fancy dress" facemask concerns

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https://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/news/1 ... -concerns/

ROYAL Mail has defended itself after it was accused of “insulting” postal workers with fancy dress face masks.

The organisation has responded after concerns were raised the masks were for non-medical uses.

Responding to Cllr Sharon Taylor, who raised the issue this week, a Royal Mail spokesman said the masks, which were ordered from China and described as for “fashion or fancy dress,” had been approved for use.

The spokesman said: “The health and safety of our people is our number one priority.

“The re-usable face coverings we have issued comply with relevant safety regulations.

“Royal Mail underwent a rigorous selection process to pinpoint the most suitable face coverings for our people.

“Samples from each supplier were thoroughly assessed against relevant product safety requirements related to the use of face masks in the workplace during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The selected face coverings also passed a number of tests to ensure the highest quality and effectiveness for our people.

“Colleagues can also choose to wear a disposable face covering or visor if they prefer and these are available on request.”

Cllr Taylor reported the masks after she was contacted by a postal worker in Malvern Link, who sent photos showing the labels on the back.

Cllr Taylor said: “As a town councillor for the Link, I was horrified to discover that our local posties were last week given protective face masks that were made in China and only designed for ‘fancy dress’ .

“They even had the audacity to put the Royal Mail name on the front.

“This is an insult by management to frontline postal workers putting their lives at risk.”

On the label for the masks, manufactured by Dongguan City Dan Dan Garments, it says they are for “fashion, dress up and party (non medical)”

The knitted cotton masks also have “Royal Mail Group” stitched into the front.