Use of Paragon in Area Distribution

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Letter to Branches




No. 991/11
Ref: 529.01
Date: 23rd November 2011

For immediate circulation to:
To All Postal Branches with Area Distribution Members
Area Distribution Representives
All Divisional Representatives


Dear Colleague

Use of Paragon in Area Distribution

Further to a number of enquires from the field regarding the above subject the department has deemed it necessary to issue this LTB to clarify the position.

Area Distribution is now operating under a different managerial structure designed to identify improvement opportunities via the dedicated professional line management of professional drivers, the establishment of a regional fleet, legal compliance and vehicle utilisation.

As a consequence there are ongoing talks at National level to develop a framework for discussions on the many aspects of the business’ future thoughts in this regard. One of the issues we have to discuss is the use of Paragon in Area Distribution.

Paragon is a planning tool and it is true that we already have agreements for its use in Network and Parcelforce. However the manner in which it is used in those two businesses is fundamentally different and there are two separate agreements covering its use.

Area Distribution is different again with its mix of professional and OPG drivers, rotational duty structures and hybrid duties covering a myriad of collection work. The National talks will ensure that if Paragon is to be used in Area Distribution, then an agreement will be made in the same way that agreements have been made in Network and Parcelforce and that such an agreement is consistent with the mutual interest commitments contained in the BT Agreement.

Against that backdrop, further meetings are being arranged at National Level after which updates will be provided by the department. In the meantime, and in response to the alleged managerial attempts at Divisional, Area and Local level to use Paragon in Area Distribution revisions, we are issuing the following instruction:

Branches should not participate or progress any discussions at Local/Area or Divisional Level regarding the use of Paragon in Area Distribution until advised by CWU Headquarters.

We trust all Representatives will follow the above instruction and where necessary make full use of the terms of the IR Framework to apply it.


Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Terry Pullinger, Assistant Secretary, e-mail: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference number: 529.01.

Yours sincerely




Terry Pullinger
Assistant Secretary