Meal relief question

[makingsounds]

DOM is enforcing a 20 meal relief before delivery, no problem with that but then the second 20 minute meal relief has always taken at the back end of the duty. The DOM is nowing enforcing the second 20 minute meal relief when you come back from delivery and keeping the staff to their finishing time. It is causing extremely bad feeling in the unit, any thoughts or does this happen elsewhere?

[spen]

Im sure iv read somewhere that as long as part of the meal releif is taken before or on delivery the second part of meal relief can be taken at the end of your shift, and if so there is no need to stay on the d.o just for signing out purposes

[Ahebban]

DOM is enforcing a 20 meal relief before delivery, no problem with that but then the second 20 minute meal relief has always taken at the back end of the duty. The DOM is nowing enforcing the second 20 minute meal relief when you come back from delivery and keeping the staff to their finishing time. It is causing extremely bad feeling in the unit, any thoughts or does this happen elsewhere?

How you take your meal relief is AGREED locally and is not at the sole discretion of the DOM. Check the section on Meal Relief from the Way Forward Agreement which will offer some guidance. Royal Mail will get away with whatever you let them.

Always go to disagreement if the matter is not covered by local, area or national agreement - or just to spite the DOM - even knowing you will lose the argument eventually (just to p*ss him off)

[worktotime]

DOM is enforcing a 20 meal relief before delivery, no problem with that but then the second 20 minute meal relief has always taken at the back end of the duty. The DOM is nowing enforcing the second 20 minute meal relief when you come back from delivery and keeping the staff to their finishing time. It is causing extremely bad feeling in the unit, any thoughts or does this happen elsewhere?

theres an easy solution to that , take 20 mins before leaving office then 20 mins half way round on your delivery in the van then back to the office at 14.20 ,10 mins pouching off and unloading the van , out the door for 14.30 , that's what we and my partner do. no hassle.

[coxie]

Just take your full 40 in one go, it's your Hoover if you want the full 40 your DOM can't split it if you want the full 40. That will mess his plans up.

[pop it in pete]

This DOM should be supported and praised for actually making people take a break, all to often DOMS fail in their obligations to ensure the welfare and safety of their staff.
You are however full entitled to take the full 40 min prior to delivery. Also entitled to take short comfort breaks or welfare breaks after that as well whilst out on delivery. I think it covered in the way forward agreement if memory serves me right. I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong.

[royalwisd5]

glad to see a office that is taking 20 mins before going out , yes best way take the other 20 mins half way through your round and if looking that you cant finish on time , bring it back.

[clashcityrocker]

Just take your full 40 in one go, if you want the full 40 your DOM can't split it

The meal relief is down to local negotiation.
If the office has voted to split the meal relief 50/50, then you can't decide to take your full 40 minutes in one go.

[BarnsleyLackey]

I'm sure I heard somewhere that after 4 hours work, a break should/must be taken. Is this right, or just common sense?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

I'm sure I heard somewhere that after 4 hours work, a break should/must be taken. Is this right, or just common sense?

No its a misunderstanding of the law. The law merely states that statutory breaks should be taken somewhere in the middle of the working day.

[chrisj]

I will love to work in your office. The DOM is not forcing people to take meal relief in the DO - what he/she is doing is making you work to your contractual times. Big up!

[crazyshrew]

Love that people are being made to take the first 20 mins, well done dom.
As for the 2nd 20 mins, I see absolutely no reason for him to keep you all in; it's your break, your time not his. I'm fairly certain that your are entitled to take you breaks AWAY from your place of work, weather that be home, the cafe or the bookies.
No problem with him finding you work to do up until that final 20 minutes starts, but that 20 mins is yours.

[BarnsleyLackey]

The 20 mins at the start of the shift bit is nothing to do with staff welfare. It's obviously to give you 20 mins extra outdoor work, to cover that lapsing. Providing of course, they stick someone on your board to do 20 mins work while you're on your break.