Royal Mail Mask and Contact Guidance for Managers :Scotland

[Acca Dacca]

That's three times you've said it's fake.
It simply reiterates the Scottish government guidelines on mask wearing and car sharing.
If I could be arsed to make something up it would be far more interesting.
"Fake" seems to be the new go to place for anything you don't believe these days.
If you don't believe it just move on.

Its not just reiterating the guidelines though is it - its the introduction of mandatory wearing of masks in the office ( which I want for all RM offices btw which is why I want to believe this and worry its fake )

''Due to the design and layout of our units the point highlights the MANDATORY use of face coverings at all times. Please ensure you brief all employees that it is mandatory to now wear a face mask when in the unit such as; moving around the unit main floor(including entering and leaving the building), stairwells, corridors, at RM2000/IPS frames, bullrings, etc and also in welfare areas (except when seated).''

Thats a pretty big statement

But again, youve avoided my question - where did you find this information?

I want to believe it, thats why im asking. Your avoidance of the question makes me believe that its not from a legit source.

Has it been implemented?

Its not hard really - all it takes is for some Scottish forum members to post whether the above was read out and implemented....or not

[Woody Guthrie]

But again, youve avoided my question - where did you find this information?

I've told you where it came from, Royal Mail management.
How I got it is neither here nor there.
If you're looking for a specific name, don't be silly.

Has it been implemented?

In every office in Scotland?
I haven't a clue.
In my office?
Yes.

[Woody Guthrie]

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[Acca Dacca]

Thank you Woody

[Woody Guthrie]

CWU Area Safety Reps have contacted the Scottish Government for clarity on the mandatory wearing of face masks.
22 October 2020
Coronavirus/Covid-19 Outbreak Management / Key Workers / PPE Directorate
Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh EH1 3DG
Cackette PH (Paul) Gordon A (Amanda)

Dear Sirs or Madam,

Re: Scottish Government Coronavirus/Covid-19 – Updated Guidance on Face Masks/Coverings:

I seek some urgent clarification of the Scottish Government’s latest updated Coronavirus/Covid-19 Guidance
on Face Masks/Coverings as our members employed in Royal Mail and Parcelforce have been thrown into a
state of total confusion by the unclear new rules. Your assistance would therefore be much appreciated.

The announced ‘Updated Face Masks Guidance for Scotland’ refers to the wearing of face coverings being a
requirement in indoor “communal workplaces”, such as corridors and “social spaces” being required from
19th October.

What are “communal workplaces”, “social spaces” in respect of Royal Mail Group buildings please?

Royal Mail and Parcelforce Buildings are, for example; Mail Centres (these are main Mail Processing Plants
or Major Sorting Offices, as we have in Glasgow and Edinburgh where incoming and outgoing mail, packets,
parcels are processed on automatic sorting machinery and manually on sorting frames and to/from roll
containers and then either despatched to local Delivery Offices or put on Logistics Road Services HGVs for
transport to other parts of the Country), Delivery Offices (these are smaller Sorting Offices where mail and
parcels are segregated, prepared and sorted into separate Delivery Rounds and then Postmen and Women go
out to Deliver the items in the local postcode area addresses). Distribution Centres (Where HGVs bring in
and take away loads of Containerised mail/parcels after segregation/sortation, in manual sort areas and using
conveyor systems etc), Parcelforce Depots where HGVs bring in Trailers of lose Parcels which are then
unloaded Sorted into delivery rounds and then loaded onto Vans to be delivered in the local areas. Outward,
collected Parcels from the area are loaded onto Trailers and sent on to the National/International Hubs for
onward trunking around the country to destination Depots for delivery or international parcels are shipped
abroad.

In other words is it just corridors? and staff canteens/restaurants whilst standing/queuing or is it that masks
are required ‘mandatory’ on the operational sorting office floors as well? We need a crystal clear answer to
deal with the present confusion and great discontent amongst our workforce caused by this.

I look forward to your urgent response and assistance which is much appreciated.

My Regards and Best Wishes.

Yours Sincerely



From Dave Joyce | National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

[Acca Dacca]

Thats just complicated things again

So are the union writing to government because RM are making them mandatory everywhere in the building or because they are not?!

[Cucumber]

CWU Area Safety Reps have contacted the Scottish Government for clarity on the mandatory wearing of face masks.
22 October 2020
Coronavirus/Covid-19 Outbreak Management / Key Workers / PPE Directorate
Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh EH1 3DG
Cackette PH (Paul) Gordon A (Amanda)

Dear Sirs or Madam,

Re: Scottish Government Coronavirus/Covid-19 – Updated Guidance on Face Masks/Coverings:

I seek some urgent clarification of the Scottish Government’s latest updated Coronavirus/Covid-19 Guidance
on Face Masks/Coverings as our members employed in Royal Mail and Parcelforce have been thrown into a
state of total confusion by the unclear new rules. Your assistance would therefore be much appreciated.

The announced ‘Updated Face Masks Guidance for Scotland’ refers to the wearing of face coverings being a
requirement in indoor “communal workplaces”, such as corridors and “social spaces” being required from
19th October.

What are “communal workplaces”, “social spaces” in respect of Royal Mail Group buildings please?

Royal Mail and Parcelforce Buildings are, for example; Mail Centres (these are main Mail Processing Plants
or Major Sorting Offices, as we have in Glasgow and Edinburgh where incoming and outgoing mail, packets,
parcels are processed on automatic sorting machinery and manually on sorting frames and to/from roll
containers and then either despatched to local Delivery Offices or put on Logistics Road Services HGVs for
transport to other parts of the Country), Delivery Offices (these are smaller Sorting Offices where mail and
parcels are segregated, prepared and sorted into separate Delivery Rounds and then Postmen and Women go
out to Deliver the items in the local postcode area addresses). Distribution Centres (Where HGVs bring in
and take away loads of Containerised mail/parcels after segregation/sortation, in manual sort areas and using
conveyor systems etc), Parcelforce Depots where HGVs bring in Trailers of lose Parcels which are then
unloaded Sorted into delivery rounds and then loaded onto Vans to be delivered in the local areas. Outward,
collected Parcels from the area are loaded onto Trailers and sent on to the National/International Hubs for
onward trunking around the country to destination Depots for delivery or international parcels are shipped
abroad.

In other words is it just corridors? and staff canteens/restaurants whilst standing/queuing or is it that masks
are required ‘mandatory’ on the operational sorting office floors as well? We need a crystal clear answer to
deal with the present confusion and great discontent amongst our workforce caused by this.

I look forward to your urgent response and assistance which is much appreciated.

My Regards and Best Wishes.

Yours Sincerely



From Dave Joyce | National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

I'm shaking my head reading some of that. Are people genuinely complaining and being 'discontent' with having to wear a face covering to protect their colleagues?

'Is it just corridors?' Practically every DO is a series of corridors and aisles.

[ripio]

CWU Area Safety Reps have contacted the Scottish Government for clarity on the mandatory wearing of face masks.
22 October 2020
Coronavirus/Covid-19 Outbreak Management / Key Workers / PPE Directorate
Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh EH1 3DG
Cackette PH (Paul) Gordon A (Amanda)

Dear Sirs or Madam,

Re: Scottish Government Coronavirus/Covid-19 – Updated Guidance on Face Masks/Coverings:

I seek some urgent clarification of the Scottish Government’s latest updated Coronavirus/Covid-19 Guidance
on Face Masks/Coverings as our members employed in Royal Mail and Parcelforce have been thrown into a
state of total confusion by the unclear new rules. Your assistance would therefore be much appreciated.

The announced ‘Updated Face Masks Guidance for Scotland’ refers to the wearing of face coverings being a
requirement in indoor “communal workplaces”, such as corridors and “social spaces” being required from
19th October.

What are “communal workplaces”, “social spaces” in respect of Royal Mail Group buildings please?

Royal Mail and Parcelforce Buildings are, for example; Mail Centres (these are main Mail Processing Plants
or Major Sorting Offices, as we have in Glasgow and Edinburgh where incoming and outgoing mail, packets,
parcels are processed on automatic sorting machinery and manually on sorting frames and to/from roll
containers and then either despatched to local Delivery Offices or put on Logistics Road Services HGVs for
transport to other parts of the Country), Delivery Offices (these are smaller Sorting Offices where mail and
parcels are segregated, prepared and sorted into separate Delivery Rounds and then Postmen and Women go
out to Deliver the items in the local postcode area addresses). Distribution Centres (Where HGVs bring in
and take away loads of Containerised mail/parcels after segregation/sortation, in manual sort areas and using
conveyor systems etc), Parcelforce Depots where HGVs bring in Trailers of lose Parcels which are then
unloaded Sorted into delivery rounds and then loaded onto Vans to be delivered in the local areas. Outward,
collected Parcels from the area are loaded onto Trailers and sent on to the National/International Hubs for
onward trunking around the country to destination Depots for delivery or international parcels are shipped
abroad.

In other words is it just corridors? and staff canteens/restaurants whilst standing/queuing or is it that masks
are required ‘mandatory’ on the operational sorting office floors as well? We need a crystal clear answer to
deal with the present confusion and great discontent amongst our workforce caused by this.

I look forward to your urgent response and assistance which is much appreciated.

My Regards and Best Wishes.

Yours Sincerely



From Dave Joyce | National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

This sounds like the union are trying to argue against the mandatory wearing of face coverings in delivery office (etc) work areas?
Why would a National Health, Safety & Environment Officer do this?
Just accept that the new rules apply to our workplace and wear a face covering, it's not that hard!
Medical exemptions excepted.

[Cucumber]

CWU Area Safety Reps have contacted the Scottish Government for clarity on the mandatory wearing of face masks.
22 October 2020
Coronavirus/Covid-19 Outbreak Management / Key Workers / PPE Directorate
Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh EH1 3DG
Cackette PH (Paul) Gordon A (Amanda)

Dear Sirs or Madam,

Re: Scottish Government Coronavirus/Covid-19 – Updated Guidance on Face Masks/Coverings:

I seek some urgent clarification of the Scottish Government’s latest updated Coronavirus/Covid-19 Guidance
on Face Masks/Coverings as our members employed in Royal Mail and Parcelforce have been thrown into a
state of total confusion by the unclear new rules. Your assistance would therefore be much appreciated.

The announced ‘Updated Face Masks Guidance for Scotland’ refers to the wearing of face coverings being a
requirement in indoor “communal workplaces”, such as corridors and “social spaces” being required from
19th October.

What are “communal workplaces”, “social spaces” in respect of Royal Mail Group buildings please?

Royal Mail and Parcelforce Buildings are, for example; Mail Centres (these are main Mail Processing Plants
or Major Sorting Offices, as we have in Glasgow and Edinburgh where incoming and outgoing mail, packets,
parcels are processed on automatic sorting machinery and manually on sorting frames and to/from roll
containers and then either despatched to local Delivery Offices or put on Logistics Road Services HGVs for
transport to other parts of the Country), Delivery Offices (these are smaller Sorting Offices where mail and
parcels are segregated, prepared and sorted into separate Delivery Rounds and then Postmen and Women go
out to Deliver the items in the local postcode area addresses). Distribution Centres (Where HGVs bring in
and take away loads of Containerised mail/parcels after segregation/sortation, in manual sort areas and using
conveyor systems etc), Parcelforce Depots where HGVs bring in Trailers of lose Parcels which are then
unloaded Sorted into delivery rounds and then loaded onto Vans to be delivered in the local areas. Outward,
collected Parcels from the area are loaded onto Trailers and sent on to the National/International Hubs for
onward trunking around the country to destination Depots for delivery or international parcels are shipped
abroad.

In other words is it just corridors? and staff canteens/restaurants whilst standing/queuing or is it that masks
are required ‘mandatory’ on the operational sorting office floors as well? We need a crystal clear answer to
deal with the present confusion and great discontent amongst our workforce caused by this.

I look forward to your urgent response and assistance which is much appreciated.

My Regards and Best Wishes.

Yours Sincerely



From Dave Joyce | National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

This sounds like the union are trying to argue against the mandatory wearing of face coverings in delivery office (etc) work areas?
Why would a National Health, Safety & Environment Officer do this?
Just accept that the new rules apply to our workplace and wear a face covering, it's not that hard!
Medical exemptions excepted.

I agree, and I think it's really poor.
Sounds like some people don't want to wear a mask at work and have lobbied the union over it.

[RICARD020191962]

It's a complete shambles in my (Scottish) DO. We actually had the area H + S rep here today admitting that there were grey areas as regards where and when masks are to be worn. Everything about this company is a feckin shambles at the moment so it really comes as no surprise that people are actually trying to find loopholes in the context of what is considered mandatory. Don't know anyone who actually enjoys wearing masks but if they give anyone a lesser chance of contracting the virus then that's good enough for me so will choose to comply with our 1st minister's sanctions.

[Cucumber]

It's a complete shambles in my (Scottish) DO. We actually had the area H + S rep here today admitting that there were grey areas as regards where and when masks are to be worn. Everything about this company is a feckin shambles at the moment so it really comes as no surprise that people are actually trying to find loopholes in the context of what is considered mandatory. Don't know anyone who actually enjoys wearing masks but if they give anyone a lesser chance of contracting the virus then that's good enough for me so will choose to comply with our 1st minister's sanctions.

The union using language like 'thrown into a state of total confusion' and 'great discontent' about mask wearing is extremely concerning.
Here's an idea, if people aren't 100% sure on something, err on the side of safety. The whole looking for areas that you don't need to wear masks in the workplace versus areas that you do doesn't sit well at all.

[Schiff]

CWU Area Safety Reps have contacted the Scottish Government for clarity on the mandatory wearing of face masks.
22 October 2020
Coronavirus/Covid-19 Outbreak Management / Key Workers / PPE Directorate
Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh EH1 3DG
Cackette PH (Paul) Gordon A (Amanda)

Dear Sirs or Madam,

Re: Scottish Government Coronavirus/Covid-19 – Updated Guidance on Face Masks/Coverings:

I seek some urgent clarification of the Scottish Government’s latest updated Coronavirus/Covid-19 Guidance
on Face Masks/Coverings as our members employed in Royal Mail and Parcelforce have been thrown into a
state of total confusion by the unclear new rules. Your assistance would therefore be much appreciated.

The announced ‘Updated Face Masks Guidance for Scotland’ refers to the wearing of face coverings being a
requirement in indoor “communal workplaces”, such as corridors and “social spaces” being required from
19th October.

What are “communal workplaces”, “social spaces” in respect of Royal Mail Group buildings please?

Royal Mail and Parcelforce Buildings are, for example; Mail Centres (these are main Mail Processing Plants
or Major Sorting Offices, as we have in Glasgow and Edinburgh where incoming and outgoing mail, packets,
parcels are processed on automatic sorting machinery and manually on sorting frames and to/from roll
containers and then either despatched to local Delivery Offices or put on Logistics Road Services HGVs for
transport to other parts of the Country), Delivery Offices (these are smaller Sorting Offices where mail and
parcels are segregated, prepared and sorted into separate Delivery Rounds and then Postmen and Women go
out to Deliver the items in the local postcode area addresses). Distribution Centres (Where HGVs bring in
and take away loads of Containerised mail/parcels after segregation/sortation, in manual sort areas and using
conveyor systems etc), Parcelforce Depots where HGVs bring in Trailers of lose Parcels which are then
unloaded Sorted into delivery rounds and then loaded onto Vans to be delivered in the local areas. Outward,
collected Parcels from the area are loaded onto Trailers and sent on to the National/International Hubs for
onward trunking around the country to destination Depots for delivery or international parcels are shipped
abroad.

In other words is it just corridors? and staff canteens/restaurants whilst standing/queuing or is it that masks
are required ‘mandatory’ on the operational sorting office floors as well? We need a crystal clear answer to
deal with the present confusion and great discontent amongst our workforce caused by this.

I look forward to your urgent response and assistance which is much appreciated.

My Regards and Best Wishes.

Yours Sincerely



From Dave Joyce | National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

This sounds like the union are trying to argue against the mandatory wearing of face coverings in delivery office (etc) work areas?
Why would a National Health, Safety & Environment Officer do this?
Just accept that the new rules apply to our workplace and wear a face covering, it's not that hard!
Medical exemptions excepted.

I really wouldn't want to see medical exemptions in the workplace. Just because someone has a medical condition it doesn't make them any less likely to pass Covid on to their colleagues if not wearing a mask. Find outdoor work for those who can't wear a mask indoors.

[aiden01]

CWU Area Safety Reps have contacted the Scottish Government for clarity on the mandatory wearing of face masks.
22 October 2020
Coronavirus/Covid-19 Outbreak Management / Key Workers / PPE Directorate
Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh EH1 3DG
Cackette PH (Paul) Gordon A (Amanda)

Dear Sirs or Madam,

Re: Scottish Government Coronavirus/Covid-19 – Updated Guidance on Face Masks/Coverings:

I seek some urgent clarification of the Scottish Government’s latest updated Coronavirus/Covid-19 Guidance
on Face Masks/Coverings as our members employed in Royal Mail and Parcelforce have been thrown into a
state of total confusion by the unclear new rules. Your assistance would therefore be much appreciated.

The announced ‘Updated Face Masks Guidance for Scotland’ refers to the wearing of face coverings being a
requirement in indoor “communal workplaces”, such as corridors and “social spaces” being required from
19th October.

What are “communal workplaces”, “social spaces” in respect of Royal Mail Group buildings please?

Royal Mail and Parcelforce Buildings are, for example; Mail Centres (these are main Mail Processing Plants
or Major Sorting Offices, as we have in Glasgow and Edinburgh where incoming and outgoing mail, packets,
parcels are processed on automatic sorting machinery and manually on sorting frames and to/from roll
containers and then either despatched to local Delivery Offices or put on Logistics Road Services HGVs for
transport to other parts of the Country), Delivery Offices (these are smaller Sorting Offices where mail and
parcels are segregated, prepared and sorted into separate Delivery Rounds and then Postmen and Women go
out to Deliver the items in the local postcode area addresses). Distribution Centres (Where HGVs bring in
and take away loads of Containerised mail/parcels after segregation/sortation, in manual sort areas and using
conveyor systems etc), Parcelforce Depots where HGVs bring in Trailers of lose Parcels which are then
unloaded Sorted into delivery rounds and then loaded onto Vans to be delivered in the local areas. Outward,
collected Parcels from the area are loaded onto Trailers and sent on to the National/International Hubs for
onward trunking around the country to destination Depots for delivery or international parcels are shipped
abroad.

In other words is it just corridors? and staff canteens/restaurants whilst standing/queuing or is it that masks
are required ‘mandatory’ on the operational sorting office floors as well? We need a crystal clear answer to
deal with the present confusion and great discontent amongst our workforce caused by this.

I look forward to your urgent response and assistance which is much appreciated.

My Regards and Best Wishes.

Yours Sincerely



From Dave Joyce | National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

This sounds like the union are trying to argue against the mandatory wearing of face coverings in delivery office (etc) work areas?
Why would a National Health, Safety & Environment Officer do this?
Just accept that the new rules apply to our workplace and wear a face covering, it's not that hard!
Medical exemptions excepted.

I really wouldn't want to see medical exemptions in the workplace. Just because someone has a medical condition it doesn't make them any less likely to pass Covid on to their colleagues if not wearing a mask. Find outdoor work for those who can't wear a mask indoors.

And what about people who have medical exemptions and cannot wear a mask at all just sack them all ffs :

[ripio]

I would imagine the numbers of those genuinely medically exempt in delivery offices would be fairly low, we are after all, an above average fitness and relatively healthy segment of the population.

[k979aaa]

It's not just about being fit is it people have other issues with masks like communication and phobias that create panic attacks just using sweeping statements about us all being fit is a bit of a cop out when we don't all know all the people who work with us all!