Royal Mail Respond WWEE Challenging OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder SSTTAANNDD Member Benefits Inside

Issue 9 www.cwuessex.org

UUNNIITTEEDD The Future of Southend... Royal Mail Respond WWEE Challenging OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder SSTTAANNDD Member Benefits Inside

Essex Amalgamated Branch Communication Workers Union introduction www.cwuessex.org

Inside this Issue:

Introduction: Reasons to be Cheerful Latest News Southend’s Future Royal Mail Respond United We Stand

A Christmas Carol A Time Gone By Equality in the Workplace Challenging OCD Member Benefits CSSC Civil Service Benefits Member Benefits CWU Health Cash Plan Being Healthy & Safe in the Workplace

The editorial content expressed within this 9th publication are views of individual CWU members and does not neces- They say that Christmas is a time when you spend next sarily reflect the Years money on this Years Christmas presents, probably views of the editor not wise in this climate. or Communication Workers Union at Royal Mail employees we may well be sheltered from the crunch. The pensions crisis however, and Royal Mail’s Mail Centre clo- both local and national sure plans are gathering momentum. Also, with the Hooper level. review on the future of our business imminent we may well be in for an uncertain 2009. If you have any comments or contri- butions you would like to raise, or The Pay & Modernisation agreement is up and running and into wish to give us feedback regarding its first Year. I said in last Years Christmas edition of this maga- this publication, please talk to your zine that only through time will that particular agreement be local representative, or you can proved as the right decision or the wrong one. write/e-mail to: Whilst it must be acknowledged we have made gains on basic [email protected] pay, the modernisation part [phase 4] is now coming to Branch Editor, CWU Essex Amal, 21 bite us. It is a fact that much in that agreement Short Street, Southend on Sea, remains outstanding and well past the origi- Essex. SS1 1AA nal implementation dates.

2 www.cwuessex.org introduction An extract from the Pay & Modernisation agreement [phase 4] reads: To assist development of a fourth Phase of Royal Mail modernisation, consultation and negotiation will now take place in the following working groups. The intention is for these joint working groups to develop national agreements, where appropriate, by no later than the end of April 2008, to be deployed as soon as possible thereafter”. These groups were due to deal with:

Relationships, including the Industrial Relations Framework DUE BY APRIL 2008

New Reward Framework, including Pay simplification, colleague share & Monthly pay DUE BY APRIL 2008

Future Working, including Mail Centre, Delivery & Network strategies [I believe this to mean closures], New technology and job security. DUE BY APRIL 2008

The Union nationally have Our National Union are now the members for your solidari- done everything in their power engaging with Royal Mail & ty. I extend best wishes to your to deal with these subjects. crucially government. Our pen- families for Christmas and the Our employer however contin- sions, the review of the Post New Year and assure you of ues to sideline the Union and Office and closures remain key my best endeavours in serving bring in their own agenda with- priorities for our negotiators. I you as Branch Secretary of the out National dialogue, consul- have every faith that with your Essex Amalgamated Branch tation of negotiation. This is continued support we will for 2009. exactly why we are seeing an emerge with a definitive and emerging picture of Mail beneficial deal for you the John Hunt Centre strike ballots and members. Branch Secretary [email protected] increasing unrest amongst our Direct Line: 01702 356244 members. In the mean time I would like to thank all my Unit, Area and Whatever the Branch Officers for all their coming Year hard work this Year and most importantly I would like brings there will to thank you be at least one of the above issues affecting you.

3 news www.cwuessex.org

Public sector workers earn more than PM

The Public Sector Rich List 2008, published by the TaxPayers' Alliance, shows that hundreds of government employees are enjoying rises of nearly 11 per cent.

Topping the list is the head of Network Rail, Ian Coucher who earns £1,244,000 a year. 2nd place goes to Adam Crozier, chief executive of Royal Mail, on £1,242,000 a year.

There are 194 people earning more than the Prime Minister, whose salary is £189,994. Peter Mandleson Supports All those on the rich list had an Part Privatisation of Royal Mail average pay rise of 10.9 per Following comments in the “At a time of economic instabil- cent between 2006-7 and Financial Times regarding ity the last thing the British pub- 2007-8, three times average Peter Mandelson’s support for lic wants to hear is that privati- earnings growth across the part-privatisation of Royal Mail, sation is the solution to Royal country which is currently the CWU responded by saying Mail's problems. We want to around 3.5 per cent a year. Royal Mail needs a modern engage positively with the gov- solution. ernment to improve and The TPA's Matthew Elliott said: enhance the public service and "While ordinary families suffer Billy Hayes, general secretary, ensure the government deliv- in the financial crisis, a public said: “Peter Mandelson has ers on their moral and legal sector elite enjoy record pack- only just come back into gov- obligation to resolve the pen- ages." ernment, but he should be sion crisis in the company. aware that there is a clear "We all deserve to know how commitment from the Labour “A lot has changed in the last our money is being spent and government to keep Royal Mail ten years. The postal industry people should have the right to in the public sector, restated needs solutions which address decide if they are getting value earlier this year at the national today’s issues, not the issues for money. Public services will policy forum in Warwick. of a decade ago.” never improve if people are being rewarded for failure." 4 www.cwuessex.org news Like To Be Involved? We’ve Got A Question... Royal Mail says they would like to involve you “In a range of activities” and have given you all a card to submit your questions. It is of course your pre- rogative to become “involved” and the CWU certainly would not object, however please bear in mind any attempt to undermine your Union and its negotiators in securing the best deal FOR EVERYONE. To give you some ideas for questions we have put together what we hope will get frank, definitive and honest answers: Will you guarantee me a job at my new office, on the same level of hours, if I have no wish to travel to any other office or take Voluntary redundancy? Will my earnings package be maintained, can I expect the same or an enhanced level of earnings when I move to the new office? Why have you taken jobs out of my community when the unemployment in Southend is double that of Chelmsford? Wouldn’t it make sense to house the entire Inward operation in Southend rather than split it between Southend & Chelmsford. When we move to the new office will I still have the facilities of a canteen? When I move office will we have the facili- Fitness First Competition ties of a games room and rest room? Congratulations to Southend Postie Deb Parsons Will I experience any parking problems as I for winning the Fitness First Competition from attend work on my early, day or night shift? Issue 8 of Exposure. Presented by Branch When you mention in your thumbs up logo Secretary, John Hunt, Deb walked away with six “greater improved facilities” does this mean months FREE membership to any Fitness First fit- that the facilities we currently have we will ness centre of her choice. keep and with the mention of “improvement” Crossword Competition does this mean we could have a Congratulations to Dave Howes of Brentwood Gymnasium and a crèche for my children Delivery Office for scooping the £25 prize in our that will compliment Royal Mails family last crossword competition. friendly policies? Will I receive a share of any savings from Look out for more competitions in future editions your project [if any] and will I get a payment of Exposure. for moving office? 5 feature www.cwuessex.org

Royal Mail Finally Respond! Following the CWU counter is why the CWU placed our bank to load and unload work]. proposals Royal Mail have energy into producing factual Being able to receive artic finally met with your committee and thorough counter propos- Units is a very important princi- to give their latest position on als. It is against this back- ple if we are to retain flexibility our future of the Southend Mail ground that there can be no to attract more workload now Centre. They have stated: doubt that the CWU counter and in the future.[this was all proposals have influenced included in the CWU counter SOUTHEND MAIL Royal Mail in changing their submission] direction. CENTRE HAS We have also been told that BEEN SOLD TO We are now proposed to be an Southend is to retain Mailsort 2 TESCO, SUBJECT M.P.U [Mails Processing Unit], & 3 products and been given a M.P.Us are a new initiative for commitment for further discus- TO PLANNING Royal Mail where basically sions on additional inward PERMISSION walk sequencing machines manual work. It is not fully can be placed. Southend are understood what is happening We recognised early in these scheduled to receive 6 com- to our DSA work as this ele- negotiations that to withdraw pact walk sequencing ment is covered under regula- from talks and ballot for reten- machines with the very impor- tory constraints, however we tion of the Southend building tant facility of having enough will be making a strong case to had little prospect of success. room in the yard to receive retain this work against this dif- This dispute has always been articulated motive units [with ficult backdrop. [again this was about realism and tactics, this associated scissor lifts on the in our submission]

The key timescales: .Migration of Outward work – Summer 2009 .Migration of Inward and move to new building – Summer 2010 6 www.cwuessex.org feature

THE FUTURE... THE PROPOSED TESCO SITE, COMMUNITY CENTRE & NEW ROYAL MAIL MAIL’S PROCESSING CENTRE (MPC)

Again you will note that this is a these grades. Talks will contin- ment, after all we only get one change of position. The CWU ue on all these issues. chance at getting this right. will be maintaining that a key driver before any removal of Whilst gains have been made As an office ALL GRADES work will be a comprehensive this is not enough. Royal Mail must remain united whilst we agreement covering duty struc- have set aside £2.5 million for go through this difficult tures, shift patterns and earn- V.R and travel should mem- process. We do not rule out ings, the principle being “no bers wish to leave the business invoking our mandate to ballot agreement no removal of or follow the work. We do not should any potential agree- work”. believe that Royal Mail will be ment, IN ANY GRADE, fall able to accommodate 180 less short of our expectations. Royal Mail are sketchy on facil- jobs through this process, ities, games rooms, quiet that’s why we must continue to Determination, discipline, inno- rooms etc. They have stated press Royal Mail hard for more vation, integrity and a strong that they intend to make our work. historical and current Union new office a self messing membership have thus far won office, this means NO QUAD- Over the coming Months we us these gains. We will not RANT or canteen facilities. We will continue to negotiate the abuse your trust and once understand that self messing best possible scenario that again commit to keeping you means vending machines and best meets the aspirations in informed as soon as there are microwaves etc, this is as respect to maximising full time any further developments. unacceptable to us as it is to employment in Southend and our Quadrant staff who we all associated earnings packages Please do not hesitate to come should remain totally commit- that you have all come to into the Union room if you have ted to. Royal Mail made no expect. We intend to negotiate any questions, observations, mention of Admin [L/As] or for ALL GRADES in any final comments or problems. cleaners in our new building, agreement and assure you we again we will be making strong will leave no stone unturned in representations on behalf of pursuit of a satisfactory agree-

ONE OF THE MANY WALK SEQUENCING MACHINES IN TRIAL AROUND THE COUNTRY.

7 feature www.cwuessex.org

ne thing Royal Mail has are told, even if they don’t never been able to break agree with what they are O much to their frustration ordered to do. and annoyance is the way postal workers and indeed the Obviously there are exceptions CWU stand together when to the rule but low and behold they are attacked. these managers are usually moved on rather quickly and in Royal mail managers have some cases never heard of never been able to understand again. this because they work in a grade where it is common The reason I write about this practise to stab each other in now is simple, the pensions the back if it means getting to issue and the other issues where you want to be. such as Mail Centre closures could in the near future be They are also ruled not by a coming to a head. sense of what’s right and wrong, but by an atmosphere These do not just affect postal of fear, where rather than doing workers but the managers that the right thing they do as they normally carry out our work when in the past we have taken industrial action. In fact it is probably fair to say that in many cases they haven’t reluc- tantly performed our work they have done it with relish and in some instances bragged about it when postal workers have returned to work.

This is something you should remember when the propagan- da machine gets into full sway as the ante on the issues fac- ing the industry is raised.

What you are told by your manager is not what they actually believe; it is what they are told to say. If they were allowed to think for themselves and were allowed to say what they really

8 www.cwuessex.org feature

believe they too would be out- This type of approach isn’t the we will, because as I’ve raged by the imposed changes result of strong management, already said UNITY IS to the pension scheme and the in fact it is a sign of weakness STRENGTH and an attack on wholesale closure of mail cen- and fear and it is a style of one office is an attack on both tres without any thought for the management that most indus- this Union and more important- people affected by these tries assigned to the bin many ly its membership and the day imposed closures. years ago. Most industries we don’t give our colleagues these days class their employ- our full support when its need- After all these managers have ees and in many cases their ed is the day we are no better more to lose than you because Unions as an asset to the busi- than the Royal Mail managers in many instances they would ness and work with them to that don’t give a second not be employed in a similar improve the service that indus- thought for what may happen role in another industry. try provides. to their work colleagues. And that ultimately could spell the I have no doubt that postal Unfortunately that cannot be end for us all. workers within our branch if said about the management called upon will do as they team in Royal Mail. We can Vince Thurnell always have and will once only hope that one day they Chelmsford more show the solidarity that wake up and realise they are Area Processing Rep so infuriates Royal Mail and not always right and taking on has been our best weapon in the views of both its workforce the past. and trade Unions could give everybody a better chance Without that solidarity Royal of succeeding in the future. Mail will have free reign to do what they like when they like, On a closing note, I would and that I think we all know that like to give our full support would spell the end for this to our colleagues in industry, because as proved in Southend in their quest to the past Royal Mails vision for keep Southend open as a the future is a vision that is mail centre. If we can both antiquated and detrimen- help in any way tal to both the staff and the cus- be rest assured tomer we serve.

It would take us back to a time when the employer was always right and a time when the work- er turned up for work each day not knowing what work they could face, and the employer could hire and fire as they wanted.

9 feature www.cwuessex.org

A CHRISTMAS CAROL A Time Gone By To Think About Over Christmas...

Acting Inspectors in those on within the units which the The Past... days would cook breakfast Post Office used to hire for Its Christmas past!! It was on Christmas day morning the Christmas pressure early on a Christmas morn- for all the staff who attend- period. ing, there was a lovely smell ed for their deliveries to of eggs and bacon wafting clear any post that was left. These units were used to around the office and all the It may and could have even out house a large part of our postman were eagerly included a little tipple. work such as parcels and preparing their walks for bulk mails. The managers delivery while the managers In the late sixties atten- would cook breakfast on were preparing breakfast dance on Christmas day Christmas Eve -- no very for them. ended, and so a great tradi- true! tion also ended. Yes, there was a time many Christmas in those days years ago at Christmas There was however a little was so much better, it was when the managers or part of that tradition carried the time in the calendar that 10 www.cwuessex.org feature

There was even a feeling of great achievement on deliv- The Present... ering millions of letters and At Christmas in the present parcels, no quarter given climate it’s so very different. none taken, all in it together. With the World Wide Web at everybody’s disposal and There was no expense all the business competition spared so when we collect- around the corner it’s not ed from Post Office coun- the same, but the funda- ters we used to have one mental issues remain the van for parcels one for same, we are here to serve packets and registers and the public at a very impor- one for the Box collections, tant time of the year. it was efficient and very good days were had by all. However, in today’s festivi- ties Royal Mail have made The Post Office employed statements that have made casuals to work across all it loud and clear on their areas of the business from stance; Can we afford it deliveries to sorting. These again this year? Can we people came from all walks save anymore money for of life; students’ from Royal Mails back pocket? University, family members Can we diminish our service and people looking for to the detriment of our cus- those extra earnings at tomer’s? Or do we just can- Christmas - one big happy cel Christmas? family. It fills like we all have got a At around 6 o’clock on part in Dickens ‘A Christmas we all looked forward to and Christmas Eve the lights in Carol’ and Royal Mail is enjoyed and a very impor- the sorting office were Ebenezer Scrooge! tant time for our customers, turned off as our goal had not like what we have in been achieved, and know- today’s environment, back ing that millions of And what for then it was not so commer- Christmas cards and Christmas future? cialised and so much more parcels had been delivered rewarding. to all our customers who were so pleased to receive Merry Christmas Back then people put a lot items sent from relatives of thought and effort into from all over the country. Mick Pottinger writing letters and sending Area Processing Rep cards. There was comrade- What a great Public Branch Chair ship in all quarters to suc- Service. That was when our ceed in our endeavours to festive spirit started, and we deliver the mail in time. all went down the pub. 11 equal opportunities www.cwuessex.org Equality In The Workplace

Challenging OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive that things are not safe such as pay undue attention to them, Disorder is the name given to a possessions or household functions such as washing, clinically recognised condition equipment. cleaning; shopping, normal in which people experience daily chores all of which repetitive and upsetting As with Obsessions there are become excessive and thoughts and or behaviours. many kinds of Compulsions extremely distressing and over OCD has two main features: such as excessive cleaning, time will control a person’s Obsession and Compulsion. washing, checking, repetitive daily working and social life. actions such as counting, Obsessions are involuntary touching, arranging, ordering, Statistics show that up 3% of thoughts, impulses or images. hoarding, the list seems end- the population including chil- Common obsessions include less. Most of the population dren are sufferers all due to a but are not limited to, fears can relate to some if not all of chemical imbalance serotonin about germs dirt and contami- the above, the difference is the in the brain; the good news is nation, fears of acting out vio- way most people deal with that for the majority OCD can lent or aggressive thoughts problems. People with OCD be effectively treated. and impulses, unreasonable cannot ignore unpleasant fears of harming others, fears thoughts or experiences and 12 www.cwuessex.org equal opportunities Body Dysmorphic Seasonal Affective Remember to Inform Disorder Disorder Your Employer if You BDD is a clinically recognised SAD commonly known as the Have any form of condition defined as a pre- winter blues? Women are 80% Disability occupation with a perceived more likely to suffer. The symp- Currently 20% of the popula- defect on one’s appearance. If toms are felling lethargic, sleep tion suffers from some form of a slight defect is present which problems, depression, anxiety, a disability with a high percent- others hardly notice, sufferers and lack of enthusiasm to age being none visible and will regard this as excessive. name a few. The cure for this some of which are unknown by can be as simple as introduc- the Employer. Compulsive ing more light into your envi- Skin Picking ronment at home or at work, or If you do not tell your employer CCP is a repetitive picking of going for a walk when the sun you are suffering from some one’s skin to the extent of makes an appearance. Other kind of disability and end up causing bleeding in order to cases are more severe and will getting caught up in the atten- relieve anxiety. It’s common for need medical attention. Should dance or grievance procedure people who suffer from the you fell like this see your you could end up losing your above disorders to hide their Doctor as a matter of urgency employment. symptoms therefore go before your symptoms take unrecorded. over your life? The legislation states that you It’s extremely likely that you will must bring your disability to the Trichotillomania know someone who fits into notice of the Employer at the TTM also referred to as com- one of the above categories, earliest opportunity. pulsive hair pulling is a compul- getting help is as easy as pick- sion to pull out hair, it is a dis- ing up the phone and contact- The DDA gives workers rights order that involves irresistible ing OCD ACTION NOW. from unscrupulous manage- urges and can occur in OCD, ment who would see you walk BDD and CSP. A person with OCD Action Aberdeen Centre out the door when all that is TTM will sometimes experi- 22-24 Highbury Grove needed is reasonable adjust- ence a build up of tension London. N5 2EA ment to your workplace. before hair pulling. Hair suck- Help & Information Line: ing, chewing and pulling hair 0845 390 6232 (local rate) You may feel you owe the from sometimes a family mem- Office: 020 7226 4545. Employer something for giving bers or pets are further symp- Email: [email protected] you a job, you don’t. Seek toms of TTM. Web: www.ocdaction.org.uk advice now.

Neil Cocks, Branch Equality Officer / Lesbian Gay Advisory Committee / National Advisory Committee. Tel: 07985 713781 Eric Parker, Branch Treasurer / Branch Equality Chairperson / Regional Equality Secretary / DSNAC (Disability Special Needs Advisory Committee) / National Advisory Committee. Tel: 07904 009342 Fran Saunderson, Branch Womens Officer. Tel: 07723 357987 Sam Makwana / Barry Patel, RAC (Race Advisory Committee) / National Advisory Committee. Tel: 07939 364087 Paul Rew, Area Safety Rep. Tel: 07985 713792

Should you wish to join us on the committee or have any issue you would like to raise with us, please contact us on one of the above phone numbers. All issues raised will be dealt with in a fully professional manner and in the strictest confidence. 13 benefits www.cwuessex.org

CSSC plays an important role in improving the health & welfare of Civil Servants through encourag- ing teamwork and commitment within our working & leisure lives. CONTACT Membership is a great opportunity to meet people of all ages and develop new skills, try out new sports and leisure pursuits. 0121 629 1199

Subscription via salary is £2.95 per month for Membership With recent changes in the Health and Fitness Centre Programme NHS, the cost of staying Get Fit with Discounted Gym Membership & Swimming healthy can be expensive. Our Massive savings can be had at various locations including: health cash plan, Choices, can Fitness First (25% off normal gold membership rates) help you manage the cost of LA Fitness (no joining fee, plus discounted peak membership) dental treatment, eye tests, Chameleon Health & Fitness (no joining fee, save 30% off the new glasses and contact lens- full membership price, no fixed contract) es, professional therapy treat- Clements Hall Leisure Complex (half price joining fee, 10% ments, health consultations, discount on all monthly & annual membership rates) nights spent in hospital, sur- Countdown Reward Program gery or even if you have a baby and much more. The One Stop Package for Money-Off Savings There's a vast array of deals. Up to 75% savings and over 6,000 Simply visit the opticians or shops and services in local towns and city centres. Benefit from dentist etc, pay your bill and discounts at a host of high then submit your receipt to street stores and popular BHSF and subject to policy consumer brands, including: terms, claim back a % reim- Members Offers bursement of the cost. Benefit from specially negotiated discounts including national and local discounts on admission to a variety of attractions, In selecting Choices you will be travel & hotel discounts and much more. Local savings include: joining 400,000 people who Hugely Discounted Cinema Tickets... (usually over £7.00) already receive their health- Odeon tickets - £3.50 each Empire tickets - £4.50 each care cover through BHSF and regularly claim for their every-

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: 01702 356249 CONTACT: FOR INFORMATION MORE Adventure Island - Western Esplanade, Southend-On-Sea day healthcare costs. Take CSSC members can buy Big Adventure wristbands for only advantage of this excellent- £9.00! (usually £22.00 for adults & £17.00 for children) value way to manage the Sealife Adventure - Southend-On-Sea, Seafront healthcare costs of you and CSSC members pay only £3.00 per person for admission! your family. (usual price is £6.50 for adults & £4.95 for children) FREE use of National Trust Cards How to Benefit from the Use National Trust cards for FREE! Cards give you free access Healthscheme... to sites in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For more information contact Deb Parsons. Tel: 01702 356249 Choose the benefit level which To JOIN and become a CSSC member, visit www.cssc.co.uk best suits you. Cover starts and fill out an application form quoting your pay number. from as little as £5.00 per mth. 14 www.cwuessex.org benefits Anyone over the age of 17 at how to claim will be in the the time of application can pack. Most claims are settled apply and no medical is within two or three working required. Premiums will be days. Benefits are paid directly deducted from your salary by to you by credit transfer to your the employer and forwarded to bank account, or alternatively Health BHSF. by cheque sent to your home. You will be sent a welcome Contact us today, if you are Cash pack containing your policy interested in taking out a health

and full information. There is cash plan policy or if you want INFORMATIONMOREFOR CONTACT: 1199 629 0121 no qualifying period before further information. We will Plan you can start claiming. A need to set up a direct debit for claim form and guidance on your policy.

Look at the table opposite and see which level of cover best suits your needs. Remember the high- er the level of cover, the greater the benefits you can claim. Benefits are paid at the relevant per- centage reimbursement rate against the cost you have incurred, up to the maximum benefit stated in the table opposite, per benefit period.

*every two benefit years Where benefit is provided for children it is limited to once times the maximum amount shown shared amongst all insured children. All benefits The amounts shown are maximum benefits payable every benefit payable are subject to BHSF policy terms: copies available on request. 10 month qualifying period for maternity payment and 2 year qualifying period unless otherwise stated. Benefits are payable at an equal period for pre-existing medical conditions. Issued by BHSF Limited, 2 Darnley Road, Birmingham B16 8TE. BHSF is authorised and regulated rate for all insured persons unless otherwise stated. by the Financial Services Authority. 15 Health & Safety www.cwuessex.org HEALTH & SAFETY SAFETY IS A CONSTANT PRIORITY

Be Healthy & Safe – Throughout The Festive Season!

Check Bag Weights... The busy Christmas period brings an increased volume of mail. Ensure you keep to the recommended maximum bag weights of 16kg for the first bag and all the all other bags 11kg. Also weigh your bag before you go out and record them on the signing on sheets.

Private Cars on Delivery... If you use your own private vehicle for delivering mail you must have adequate insurance. Royal Mail offers an insurance scheme, which if you sign up to only covers you for third party claims; and is subject to you having regular checks by your line manager to ensure the roadworthiness of the vehicle. If you wish to sign up to this policy you will get a bundle of papers from your manager, which will contain the following documents: .A personal copy of the Royal Mail insurance document which you must show if stopped by Police. .A copy of the policy which needs to be sent to your insurers, to let them know you are using your vehicle to transport mail. .A form to declare your vehicle and personal details, which will be kept and periodically checked by your line manager. .Also a couple of risk assessment forms, one of which is for the manual handling of mail into and from your vehicle.

Electronic Walk Logs... Many of you have started to fill in and keep your walk logs up to date, they are after all meant to be a living document. The current Royal Mail standard to update is every 3 months. An electronic system has been devised which makes the whole process much quicker and easi- er. Once you have recorded your walk details for the first time; the record will be recalled and updated with any new or changed risks on your walk. This will need to be done more frequently if your delivery route changes, or a high risk incident happens. The whole electronic process should not take on average more than 5 minutes.