LTB 245/20 - POST OFFICE: OFFICE TRANSFERS AND SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK

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LTB 245/20 - POST OFFICE: OFFICE TRANSFERS AND SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK

No. 245/2020

7th May 2020



Dear Colleagues

POST OFFICE: OFFICE TRANSFERS AND SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK

I wish to update Branches with regards to the work being carried out by our Field Support members during the pandemic and draw to your attention a Joint Statement which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive.

Our Field Support members have in the main been working from home; however there are occasions when work that is time sensitive needs to be carried out in the field, specifically the transferring of a Post Office from one Postmaster to another.

As an essential service, this activity is important in order to maintain the vital service which is a lifeline for many, especially the more vulnerable people in society that rely on the accessibility of the Post Office for their pensions and benefits.



Safe Ways of Working

To ensure the wellbeing of our members, we secured a guarantee that during this uncertain period, the work to facilitate transfers is undertaken on a voluntary basis and also that key control measures are put in place to ensure our members are working in a safe environment. We also agreed that all activities be kept to a minimum.

The Joint Statement below outlines the key principles and ensures our members can be confident their safety is a priority.



Joint Statement – Post Office/CWU – 5th May 2020

Post Office and CWU recognise the essential service the Post Office network provides to society during this pandemic. It is therefore important to maintain the accessibility wherever possible. Consequently with the primary aim of ensuring colleagues are safe at all times whilst carrying out their duties we have worked collaboratively to adapt ways of working consistent with the principles further below.

In line with Public Health England advice, Onsite Trainers have been homeworking since the Coronavirus outbreak. During this time both parties worked together to put in place Safe systems of work which will be communicated to the teams.

There may on occasions be Field work that is time sensitive and needs to be carried out urgently. Consequently Onsite Trainers may be asked to volunteer to complete the transfer of a Post Office branch from an outgoing Postmaster to the incoming partner.

The following control measures which have been agreed between the Post Office and CWU will be applied without exception to ensure the health and safety of colleagues in these working environments.



Key Principles to be followed at all times:

To ensure full compliance with social distancing at all times, the work will be restricted to the actual transfer of cash and stock so there will be no on-site training of the incoming Postmaster
Risk assessments will be carried out upfront and all expectations met this includes a pre-visit cleaning regime.
Safe Ways of Working put in place including access to central support at all times
PPE packs will be provided

When visiting an office, should a colleague feel vulnerable at any time due to their safety being put at risk, due to the key principles not being adhered too, they will contact their line manager to inform them they will be withdrawing and unable to carry out the allocated work as their health is being put in jeopardy.

The working arrangements will be reviewed regularly in line with Public Health England advice and any government updates regarding lockdown exit strategies.

In conclusion, I would like to thank Lynn Simpson, Postal Executive member, for leading on the negotiations and concluding this Joint Statement that provides full safeguards for our members when working out in the field.

Yours sincerely



Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

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