Winchester - Coronavirus: Royal Mail workers walkout over lack of PPE and working conditions

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ROYAL Mail workers at the Winchester depot walked out this morning (Friday) over unsafe working conditions amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Staff at the Winnall Manor Road delivery office took action over concerns at the lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) being provided by the organisations.

Workers are concerned for their safety whilst visiting properties in the area, with most using their own gloves and PPE while on their rounds.

During the walkout this morning workers stood outside, complying to social distancing, until they were given assurances that the protective equipment would be organised for them.


The action was supported by the Communication Workers' Union (CWU), which posted on its Facebook page: “This morning Winchester posties removed themselves from the workplace due to lack of PPE and social distancing. They have returned to work now after assurances that their issues were dealt with.”

The action has been given backing from residents in Winchester who have taken to social media to show their support.

Staff have now returned to work, along with others from depots from across the region who also took part in the walkout.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “There was a short disruption to services this morning at the Winchester Manor Road delivery office. Working with our people, we have resolved any areas of concern. All colleagues returned to work and are operating as normal. Royal Mail takes the health and safety of its colleagues, its customers and the local communities in which we operate very seriously.”

The organisation has said that it has taken a number of additional measures and provided preventative guidance to its members of staff in line with public health authorities. This includes promoting regular hand washing with soap and water.

The spokesperson continued: "The hand soap that we provide is effective for hand washing and good hand hygiene. It is also possible to use sanitiser or gel. However, there are long lead times for these products.


"We have worked hard to source additional sanitiser and this is being supplied to operational units as fast as we receive it.

"We are providing disposable latex gloves to colleagues who want them. These are available on request. We have also adopted enhanced disinfectant cleaning of communal areas in all Royal Mail sites on a daily basis."

CWU Wessex South Central Branch, which covers Winchester, has been contacted for a comment.