Uniform

cookiewise · Post by **cookiewise** » 17 Sep 2018, 19:09

Is there some kind of rule about your length of service before getting a uniform?
I've been in six weeks and still no trousers, shorts, shirt, jacket, hat, fleece or any sign of any of them on the horizon.
I checked the policy documents and they simply state that you will get clothing appropriate to your job.
Thanks

SabbieK · Post by **SabbieK** » 17 Sep 2018, 19:53

I think you need a contract of over 3 months. Have you rang the uniform helpline ?

cookiewise · Post by **cookiewise** » 17 Sep 2018, 21:37

SabbieK wrote:I think you need a contract of over 3 months. Have you rang the uniform helpline ?

That's interesting because my contract is permanent, not time limited.
I haven't tried the uniform helpline as I did not know such a thing existed.
I've been logging into the dimensions site which oddly offers me a bicycle helmet (I live 2 mins from the DO and walk my route) - but all sizes are out of stock!
Is this indicative of RM overall? I find it terribly chaotic and disorganised. For a communications company this is unexpectedly poor!

NewPostieUK · Post by **NewPostieUK** » 17 Sep 2018, 22:02

cookiewise wrote:
SabbieK wrote:I think you need a contract of over 3 months. Have you rang the uniform helpline ?
That's interesting because my contract is permanent, not time limited.

I think you have to have had a contract for 3 months, ie you can't order anything after two months. Managers must be able to get round this as I've seen new starters with the full uniform on.

cookiewise wrote: I haven't tried the uniform helpline as I did not know such a thing existed

01332 697118

cookiewise wrote:all sizes are out of stock!
Is this indicative of RM overall?

No not at all, it's a lot worse than that.

Just wait until you try to understand your start and finish times, or get a holiday or match the overtime paid to what you actually worked.

SabbieK · Post by **SabbieK** » 18 Sep 2018, 06:05

You can order a basic uniform. (Shirt, shorts, fleece, hi-vis) when you start. After 6 weeks you are entitled to the full uniform. You won't be able to do this through dimensions. However just give the uniform helpline a ring and they will sort this out for you.

Rapidryan88 · Post by **Rapidryan88** » 18 Sep 2018, 07:09

NewPostieUK wrote:
cookiewise wrote:
SabbieK wrote:I think you need a contract of over 3 months. Have you rang the uniform helpline ?
That's interesting because my contract is permanent, not time limited.
I think you have to have had a contract for 3 months, ie you can't order anything after two months. Managers must be able to get round this as I've seen new starters with the full uniform on.

cookiewise wrote: I haven't tried the uniform helpline as I did not know such a thing existed
01332 697118

cookiewise wrote:all sizes are out of stock!
Is this indicative of RM overall?
No not at all, it's a lot worse than that.

Just wait until you try to understand your start and finish times, or get a holiday or match the overtime paid to what you actually worked.

Took me 2 and a half months of applying for holiday to actually get something and that’s no exaggeration lol the system is flawed as hell.

Post by **Navalron** » 18 Sep 2018, 14:18

cookiewise wrote:
SabbieK wrote:I think you need a contract of over 3 months. Have you rang the uniform helpline ?
That's interesting because my contract is permanent, not time limited.
I haven't tried the uniform helpline as I did not know such a thing existed.
I've been logging into the dimensions site which oddly offers me a bicycle helmet (I live 2 mins from the DO and walk my route) - but all sizes are out of stock!
Is this indicative of RM overall? I find it terribly chaotic and disorganised. For a communications company this is unexpectedly poor!

It's good to see that the work place coaches are earning their extra money. Usually there will be a few good guys to go and ask about these things, even though they SHOULD have been covered in the WELCOME TO ROYAL MAIL seminar. Also ask your DOM what happens it you have an accident on duty, for which you get full sick pay, no matter how short of time your in, especially if they have not bothered to supply you with any protective gear. Pretty sure it will be forthcoming and also it portrays a professional organization even though we know it's now run on chaos and goodwill from posties.

.

cookiewise · Post by **cookiewise** » 18 Sep 2018, 15:36

Work place coach?!! No such thing here!
Welcome to Royal Mail seminar? What's that?!!
But thank you NewPostieUK for the phone number for uniforms. I called them today and within 2 hours was able to order EVERYTHING!!! Shirts, jacket, shorts, trousers, shoes, fleece, hats, belt etc etc. Apparently the DOM hadn't bothered to apply a work code to my payroll so I wasn't eligible for anything but the call sorted that.
I am so glad I joined this forum. FInally feel supported which will hopefully let me sleep better at night!!

NewPostieUK · Post by **NewPostieUK** » 18 Sep 2018, 23:22

cookiewise wrote:belt etc

You got the belt?! The belt that's been available in medium only for the 11 years since I started? wow, nice one.

cookiewise · Post by **cookiewise** » 24 Sep 2018, 21:25

NewPostieUK wrote:
cookiewise wrote:belt etc
You got the belt?! The belt that's been available in medium only for the 11 years since I started? wow, nice one.

And it's a beauty. A bit on the large side but it can be adjusted. I love the uniform (that probably makes me a tad sad) - the blue shirts are really well made and the shorts are fabulous. No idea yet if the waterproof trainers live up to their claim, but they are comfy. Being an indoors office worker all my professional life this is the first job where I've been given a substantial uniform, so I am quite impressed. It was worth waiting for. I love the storm coat and am looking forward to receiving my cagoule. All I need now is a set of waterproof gloves with touch screen ability and good "flicking through letters capability".

Post by **Altrider** » 25 Sep 2018, 08:38

RM's definition of waterproof differs from the real world. Even damp-proof would be pushing it

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 25 Sep 2018, 14:29

Altrider wrote:RM's definition of waterproof differs from the real world. Even damp-proof would be pushing it

The best thing about the Kagoule is that it's probably better than a bath sponge at absorbing water.

cookiewise · Post by **cookiewise** » 25 Sep 2018, 17:20

TrueBlueTerrier wrote:
Altrider wrote:RM's definition of waterproof differs from the real world. Even damp-proof would be pushing it
The best thing about the Kagoule is that it's probably better than a bath sponge at absorbing water.

That's hysterical - they can't even get the clothing right. It's just crap all the way down isn't it?!!
Well I only hope the uniform offers a bit more protection than my own clothes which I was wearing for the first six weeks.

Do you need to surrender the uniform when you leave / are let go?!

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 25 Sep 2018, 17:23

cookiewise wrote:
Do you need to surrender the uniform when you leave / are let go?!

Yes. Criminals have been known to buy items off eBay and use them when committing crimes.

cookiewise · Post by **cookiewise** » 25 Sep 2018, 17:47

TrueBlueTerrier wrote:
cookiewise wrote:
Do you need to surrender the uniform when you leave / are let go?!
Yes. Criminals have been known to buy items off eBay and use them when committing crimes.

Is there a good trade in mail crime clothing? Does posing as a mail person give you enhanced access to lucrative premises?!
Should I post my storm jacket before I've even had a chance to try it out?!