MRM.COM : Beware of xmas tips!

Post by **POSTMAN** » 29 Nov 2011, 13:16

https://www.myroyalmail.com/mrm/appnews ... aspx?i=335" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Christmas and the Bribery Act

It’s the season of goodwill.

But it’s important to be careful about accepting gifts so you don’t fall foul of the Bribery Act.

Christmas tips are allowed. But they should never be accepted in return for favours, for example, earlier delivery, enhanced collection etc.

Other guidelines

Bribes must never be offered or given – nor requested or accepted. A bribe is not just about money, it could be any gift, hospitality or favour
Gifts may only be given or accepted up to a value of £30; any gifts over £30 must be politely declined
Hospitality may only be given or accepted where there is a business reason. Limits apply:
o Hospitality less than £25 per head in the course of business meetings is allowed and does not require pre-approval or registration

o Hospitality greater than £25 per head requires line manager pre-approval and must be recorded in the Gifts and Hospitality register (Intranet link)

o Hospitality greater than £100 per head also requires a functional director’s pre-approval and must be recorded in the Gifts and Hospitality register (Intranet link)

Penalties
The penalties under the Bribery Act are severe:

Individuals could face unlimited fines and imprisonment for up to 10 years
Companies face loss of reputation, unlimited fines and could be barred from participating in public procurement contracts.

Post by **Straight4ward** » 29 Nov 2011, 14:04

This sounds like a bit of a scare story to me.

Accepting a once a year tip at Christmas in return for nothing other than having provided your usual
immaculate/sh*t service – delete as appropriate – is unlikely to be viewed as bribery.

fishtank · Post by **fishtank** » 29 Nov 2011, 14:11

Straight4ward wrote:This sounds like a bit of a scare story to me.

Accepting a once a year tip at Christmas in return for nothing other than having provided your usual
immaculate/sh*t service – delete as appropriate – is unlikely to be viewed as bribery.

Royal Mail Group plc
CODE OF BUSINESS STANDARDS
A Guide for Employees

15. Gifts
You must not accept any gift, payment, bribe, favour or inducement that might influence (or appear to influence) your action as an employee. Nor must you offer any bribe or inducement to anyone else. If any such offer is made to you, you must report it to your manager.

You must also report to your manager any gifts (except low value promotional items) that are sent or given to you. If in doubt about whether it is proper to accept a “gift” offered to you, discuss the matter with your manager first.
Private arrangements for gifts, discounts or concessions must not be solicited or accepted in connection with any contract for goods or services to which the company is a party.

You must not ask for or accept sporting or charitable sponsorship from an organisation that has (or is seeking) a contract to supply the company, or is in competition with it. You must declare any plan to accept sponsorship to your manager and ask if there is any conflict with company interests.

Post by **Straight4ward** » 29 Nov 2011, 14:32

Sorry, but mountains and molehills come to mind here.

In the case of the meagre Christmas tips that some of us may receive, influence is neither being sought nor bought.

hans solo · Post by **hans solo** » 29 Nov 2011, 15:13

im sure mgmt bonuses would fit into that catagory cause they sure dont earn them

Darren Bent · Post by **Darren Bent** » 29 Nov 2011, 15:14

I probably have 30 pounds worth of tips in last five years. I am not worried. I wouldn't change anything if I get tips as I am doing different area all the time.

Post by **lekker** » 29 Nov 2011, 16:46

I'll take the bribes thank you very much

Post by **Lounge Lizard** » 29 Nov 2011, 17:32

"Gifts may only be given or accepted up to a value of £30; any gifts over £30 must be politely declined"

My tips last Christmas, mostly £10, ranged from £2 to £40, and are they seriously suggesting that the £40 one, from someone, to put it mildly, who isn't short of a bob or two, should be 'politely declined' ?

He would be seriously offended if I did so.

Darren Bent · Post by **Darren Bent** » 29 Nov 2011, 17:47

and how would people know what you have taken apart from you and the other person. If it cash in hand no one will know.

vigilante · Post by **vigilante** » 29 Nov 2011, 19:06

Ole Scrooge RM dosen't even want you to have anything at xmas!!
Actually sounds like we are in Dickensian times,working really hard right up to xmas day, no O/T, low pay, scrooges(DOM'S/Linos)counting their bonuses in their little
counting rooms!

Report to managers?? Ha, ridiculous!

bsaman · Post by **bsaman** » 30 Nov 2011, 17:52

Grab every penny while you can i have found as the older people pop off you get less and less. not many young people give but they dont get a service any more either so who can blame them.

NWpostie · Post by **NWpostie** » 30 Nov 2011, 20:59

I am keeping everything and not telling no body, I worked for it, if they want to reward me for services above and beyond, I will accept it in the spirit it was given.

Post by **TeeferTiger** » 30 Nov 2011, 22:20

bsaman wrote:Grab every penny while you can i have found as the older people pop off you get less and less. not many young people give but they dont get a service any more either so who can blame them.

I'm a youngun and I give my regular postie a large tin of chocs and then the reserves this year are sharing a large tin of chocs because I've no idea how many of them there are any more

There used to be just 2, and I got them a smaller box of chocs each in previous years.

Post by **POSTMAN** » 13 Nov 2017, 16:31

https://www.myroyalmail.com/news/2017/1 ... ospitality" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That special time of year is nearly upon us when the amount of gifts and hospitality offered to colleagues increases.

It is therefore important that the gifts and hospitality guidance is followed at all times and that all gifts and hospitality are recorded.

What are gifts and hospitality?

A gift is defined as anything of value, including financial or other advantage, such as cash, certificates with monetary value, a loan or sponsorship given to you by a third party. A gift may also be goods or services offered free or with a discount.

Hospitality and entertainment means food, drink and/or entertainment (e.g. concerts or sporting events) which is offered free of charge or at a subsidised cost, either inside or outside office premises and hours. The person giving and the person receiving the hospitality must both attend the event, otherwise it is a gift and the procedures for gifts apply.

Depending on the value of the gift or hospitality, approval is required from your line manager or CEC member. The gifts and hospitality register can be accessed by clicking here. https://royalmail.onelogin.com/login" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Please also ensure that you read and understand the gifts and hospitality guidelines (https://intranet.royalmailgroup.com/Com ... 202015.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) which provide further information for colleagues on the giving and receiving of gifts and hospitality in a way which is compliant with the UK Bribery Act.

If you have any questions about gifts and hospitality, you can speak to your business unit compliance coordinator, contact the Compliance team on 020 7449 8302 or email group.compliance@royalmail.com.

thekiddykid · Post by **thekiddykid** » 13 Nov 2017, 21:32

Take the money if it is offered AND KEEP YOUR GOB SHUT

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