LTB 329/20 - RM/CWU - Covid-19 Expansion of Additional Priority Postbox Test Kit Collections

[TrueBlueTerrier]

LTB 329/20 - RM/CWU - Covid-19 Expansion of Additional Priority Postbox Test Kit Collections

No. 329/20

23rd June 2020



RM/CWU – Covid-19 Expansion of Additional Priority Postbox Test Kit Collections

Dear Colleagues,

As previously advised in LTB 251/20 there have been several different Government lead initiatives in regards to Individual Covid -19 Testing services. We have concluded a National Joint Statement with Royal Mail which is a further expansion of the NHS Self testing service from pillar box collections. Due to timescales and circumstances beyond our control it is fairly urgent that representatives in conjunction with the laid down JWG process enter into discussions with local management in order to ensure that the process is carried out in line with those outlined.

The National Joint Statement covers the extension of pillar boxes for the home self-test kits to be collected, from c13,000 to c34,000 priority and identified pillar boxes Monday to Saturday, with further discussion and agreement necessary for any later collections being performed on a Saturday than those currently. The extended list of pillar boxes is attached; however please note these are subject to change.

The National Joint Statement is in similar regard to those that have been communicated to Branches previously in relation to this issue, and includes the necessary safeguards in terms of the appropriate SSOW, full CWU involvement and JWG activity, building on joint pilot activity that has taken place in London and the South Midlands catchment areas that has concentrated in ensuring that the correct standard operating procedures and SSOW are followed in order to improve the process.

Once again the nature of the requested service and pace of change ahead with this is being created is being set by HM Government. The CWU has made representations on the perceived lack of any consistent approach to the whole issue of CV-19 self-testing etc. which is making the operational aspects of the various initiatives linked to this service extremely difficult to deal with whilst also creating understandable confusion.

Accordingly, both departments offer our apologies for the short notice of these changes but once again we have been placed in this invidious position by HM Government at the last minute.

Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 600 email address: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org.

Processing, Area & Distribution: Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 014.14.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch – CWU Assistant Secretary

Davie Robertson – CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 329-20 Expansion of Additional Priority Postbox Test Kit Collectionse https://emails.cwu.org/t/d-l-mkdtdhl-jtfltzjh-i/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

JS – Covid-19 Expansion of Additional Priority Postbox Test Kit Collections https://emails.cwu.org/t/d-l-mkdtdhl-jtfltzjh-k/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Affixing Priority Post Box label – handout_v1.4COVID 19_priority post boxes_Operational Brief_v1.3Copy of Priority Boxes as at Mon 22nd June – basic listing https://emails.cwu.org/t/d-l-mkdtdhl-jtfltzjh-k/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

COVID Priority Post Box Collection_FAQs https://emails.cwu.org/t/d-l-mkdtdhl-jtfltzjh-o/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

View Online https://emails.cwu.org/t/d-l-mkdtdhl-jtfltzjh-b/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[wallan]

Are these collections to continue

[iHateD2Ds]

Are these collections to continue

You can no longer get a free PCR test
This service has now ended in England and Wales.

So no need for additional collections ,I guess.

[POSTMAN]

I’ve not had any update regarding Priority Postbox Test Kit Collections I’m afraid.

However, testing still remains in place in some UK nations, so I expect that this will continue at least in the nations where testing is still available.

Kind Regards.

James. Coronavirus Support Team

[POSTMAN]

Cessation of Bespoke Weekend PPB Collections

As a result of the policy changes, part of the ‘living with Covid-19’ plan, volumes have significantly reduced and therefore the UKHSA have decided to cease using our 15,000 later “SATURDAY AND SUNDAY” weekend PPB network.

Final collections from our 15,000 bespoke weekend PPBs will be Monday 18th April.

Mon – Sat collections from our 35,000 PPB will continue.

A massive thank you to those involved for the past 18 months – a letter will be coming to colleagues from Grant McPherson and Nick Landon
If you are interested in potential Sunday delivery opportunities please ask your manager.