LTB 299/21 - Post Office: Covid Pandemic Measures – Joint Statement

[POSTMAN]

https://www.cwu.org/ltb/ltb-299-21-post ... statement/

LTB 299/21 – Post Office: Covid Pandemic Measures – Joint Statement
No. 299/2021

19th July 2021

Dear Colleagues

POST OFFICE: COVID PANDEMIC MEASURES – JOINT STATEMENT

Branches are advised that Post Office, CWU and Unite are continuing to work together to ensure that all Post Office workplaces are as Covid-secure as possible.

Following the announcement from the Government regarding the easing of COVID restrictions and in order to proceed with caution to ensure a safe working environment, we have jointly reviewed the ways of working and safety measures in the workplace and have agreed:

The wearing of face coverings will remain and social distancing will continue within all workplaces
Customers will continue to be encouraged to wear face coverings and social distance on the public side of the counter
Post Office will continue to stock and have available on request the Lateral Flow Tests for all Post Office workers
Despite regulations being different in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, guidance for Post Office workers remains the same for the four countries.
The following Joint Statement has been agreed:

JOINT STATEMENT POST OFFICE, CWU AND UNITE

COVID 19 Update

Following the announcement from the Government regarding the lifting of COVID restrictions we wanted to provide you all with an update. The Post Office, CWU and Unite are continuing to work together to ensure we prioritise making the workplace as Covid-secure as possible.

Whilst the Government have stated that face coverings no longer need to be worn indoors, we still need to ensure that the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of colleagues is still our number one priority.

It is important we take a safe and cautious approach and avoid risk and complacency as restrictions are eased, therefore the use of relevant PPE and social distancing remains compulsory to help protect one another. Posters will shortly be displayed in branch strongly encouraging customers to continue to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing also.

We also need to be mindful that the regulations are different in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland which is why our guidance remains the same.

We will of course carefully monitor all related developments from Government and communicate these accordingly.

Colleagues should carry on following good practices such as keeping hands clean and ensure that social distancing is adhered to in spaces such as small meeting/rest rooms. This will help us to reduce the likelihood of colleagues being asked to self-isolate due to close contact with a colleague who tests positive. Lateral flow test kits are also still available, and we would encourage you to still use these. Control measures as per the current risk assessments should also continue.

If you are unsure or need further clarification on the above, please speak to your manager or union rep who will advise you. You can also find further details on the Hub Coronavirus microsite.

Russell Hancock Phil Savage Andy Furey

Supply Chain Director Unite the Union CWU Assistant Secretary

Post Office

Steve Blampied

Head of DMB Network

Post Office

Further developments will be communicated as and when they occur.

Finally I would like to thank Lynn Simpson Postal Executive member who has continued to engage with management on all Covid-19 related issues, including the associated Joint Statement.
Andy Furey

CWU Assistant Secretary