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No. 011/24 9th January 2024 Dear Colleagues, Lord Falconer Independent Review – The Collective Agreement Update and Next Steps Further to LTB 344/23 dated 20th December.  We wish to provide an update regarding the extensive work that has taken place to deliver the terms of the ‘Collective Agreement’.  We are pleased to report that in the main, most of the developments have been relatively positive and these are outlined below. Three dismissals referred back to Lord Falconer for a decision (Paragraph 5.1 Collective Agreement) Lord Falconer on 23rd December announced his conclusions on the three dismissals agreed to be referred back to him for a decision.  In two of these cases the dismissals were overturned.  The third case will be subject to further consideration by Lord Falconer following witness interviews.  The two Reps who had their dismissals overturned were notified of their positive outcomes on the same day and subsequently have decided to return to work rather than take the enhanced package. Our thanks go to Divisional Representatives Ralph Ferrett and Ian Taylor and Regional Secretary Kevin Beazer who assisted in providing detailed supporting submissions for these three cases. Eight Cases Disputed by RMG as Being in Scope (Paragraph 5.3 iv of the Collective Agreement) The decision on the eight cases (all dismissals) disputed by RMG as being in scope was received from Lord Falconer on 5th December 2023 and of the eight, he ruled: One case was deemed to be in scope and therefore covered by the Collective Agreement. This person subsequently opted to take the enhanced package to leave RMG. Three cases were upheld by Lord Falconer as being out of scope and these are now subject to a final internal appeal in line with Paragraph 5.3 (vi). PE members Luke Elgar, Steve Halliwell and Bobby Weatherall, will be representing these members. Branches and Representatives should note that crucially the managers hearing these appeals are not the normal Appeals Managers as the Collective Agreement stipulated:- “Exceptionally, RMG will ensure any such cases are dealt with independently of the normal managerial line and the panel of Appeals Managers”. Of the remaining four cases (all members not Reps), Lord Falconer felt he was unable to make a determination at this stage and therefore has afforded both CWU and RMG the opportunity to make further submissions as to why the cases should be deemed to be in or out of scope. Accordingly, we have made our submissions in this regard. Once again support was provided from Divisional Representatives Ralph Ferrett, Paul Kennedy and Ian Taylor and Regional Secretary Kevin Beazer who completed an additional critique of the cases.  These were narrowed down to arguments as to why they should be in scope (meaning dispute related) and were not aimed at addressing whether dismissal was a fair penalty. Dismissals (Paragraph 5.1 of the Collective Agreement) We previously reported that 35 members/Reps had decided to return accepting the position of reinstatement (the actual number is now 36 and will extend to 38 with the two new cases referred to above).  Beyond this, a further 82 people that were dismissed opted for the enhanced financial package to leave RMG employment. All back pay was received by 22nd December 2023 with a payslip provided to both leavers and returners.  This included the enhanced settlement payment for those who have decided to leave RMG employment.  The payslips provided a detailed breakdown of all payments due and this enabled individuals to check for accuracy.  Since then we have been working through a number of payroll enquiries with RMG relating to the arrears and, where appropriate, discrepancies are being rectified. COT3 Settlement Forms Following many detailed exchanges of correspondence and various meetings between our respective legal representatives with the involvement and input of ACAS, collective COT3 settlement forms were agreed in the first instance for those who opted for reinstatement and those leaving the business with the enhanced settlement.  Further work took place to agree the terms of the COT3 for those who received a penalty of less than dismissal and this was finalised on Friday 22nd December. Refresher Session (Paragraph 8 of the Collective Agreement) Following dialogue with RMG, we agreed there was no need for the joint session/broadcast, to “refresh the understanding of what is expected on the Royal Mail Conduct Code and Business Standards”.  As an alternative, it was agreed to have a low-key reintegration back into the workplace via an informal welcome back meeting conducted by the local manager and Rep. ACAS Session (Paragraph 8 of the Collective Agreement) Negotiations continue regarding the ACAS session to assist in identifying and discussing the lessons learned from the Independent Review and the dispute.  Now we have made significant progress in most other areas of the Lord Falconer Independent Review and the Collective Agreement, this particular component of the Agreement will be a primary focus. Conclusion An immense amount of work has been undertaken to ensure the terms of the Collective Agreement were jointly implemented.  The vast majority of our Reps and members who were wrongly targeted by RMG during the 2022/23 national disputes have now been reinstated or received the enhanced settlement.  Additionally, all warnings for those who received penalties less than dismissal have now become time expired. Whilst there is still work to be completed, some major milestones have been reached.  We will obviously continue to provide support and representation to those who have cases still to reach a conclusion. Lastly, we would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the Independent Review and the delivery of the Collective Agreement.  Our unified efforts have undoubtedly ensured justice has been delivered for those who RMG wrongly targeted through their aggressive use of an unagreed conduct procedure during the national disputes of 2022/23. Further developments will be reported. Yours sincerely Dave Ward General Secretary Martin Walsh Deputy General Secretary (Postal) Andy Furey Assistant Secretary

Please can you join us in a show of recognition for the following members who have reached there milestone of 25 yrs with the CWU Scotland No2 Branch. Our Congratulations and appreciation goes to everyone of you and thank you for your support. Members in our Branch that hit 25 year membership are; Linda Hutchison – Edinburgh South East DO Marc Haldane Lothian – Edinburgh (EH6/7) DO Andrew Muirhead – Kinross DO Paul Sydney Newman – Edinburgh Mail Centre Bruce Pratt – Cowdenbeath DO George Stott – Edinburgh South DO James Mcmillan Tough – Aberfoyle DO

No. 341/23 18th December 2023 T0 ALL MEMBERS IN ROYAL MAIL FLEET Dear Colleagues Business Recovery Transformation & Growth (BRT&G) Agreement – Royal Mail Fleet – Update Further to LTB’s 294/23, 316/23 and 336/23, we met with Royal Mail Fleet within the dispute resolution procedure (DRP) and have agreed to meet again on Thursday 21st December in an attempt to reach an agreement. We have focused on narrowing down our areas of difference, however, we still have a lot to agree in what is a complex agreement. We have met with our Fleet representatives and whilst we are continuing to meet with Royal Mail and want to reach a satisfactory agreement, it is our intention to continue with the policy laid out in the communication attached to LTB 336/23 i.e. the visits to workshops will continue whilst we are in negotiation. We understand there may be frustrations the negotiations have not concluded, however, please be assured of our determination to achieve a full and fair settlement for our Fleet members and we will not be allowing these negotiations to drift. Any enquiries to this LTB please contact: The PTCS Department reference 220, email address: khay@cwu.org or hmaughan@cwu.org Yours sincerely Carl Maden Assistant Secretary LTB 341/23

General Secretary Dave Ward and Deputy General Secretary Martin Walsh.

No.319/2023 Our Ref:  C25/23 To:  All Branches Dear Colleagues, Royal Mail Materials Handling Containerisation Update & Christmas Arrangements 2023 – Health & Safety Aspects Below is a summary update on Materials Handling and Containerisation Arrangements for the 2023 Christmas period. The contents of this LTB have in the past been discussed and agreed with Royal Mail HQ, Central Asset Team, the Safety, Health & Environment Team and Head of Assets. Sadly, in the run up to this year’s Christmas peak, the Programmes and Engineering Director and his team ‘forced’ into service the new ‘White Correx Plastic’ York Container Sleeves which in our opinion has taken safety and ergonomics backwards in the manual operation. Therefore, that aspect, reported below, does not have our agreement or endorsement – see paragraph 1(b). York Containers Royal Mail have 700,000 (Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3) York Containers in circulation that will be in service during the Christmas peak period. Royal Mail will be looking for York Containers to be filled with the maximum 7 layers of 4 trays (28 Max), wherever possible, subject to safe systems of work, weight constraints of the container and subsequently the vehicle weight limits on to which they will be loaded to comply with Safe Systems of Work and both Health and Safety and Road Traffic Act Legislation. York Containers primarily carry mainly stacked parcels, trays or mailbags without a sleeve or small parcels and packets in ALP (Auto-Level Packet) sleeves or cardboard sleeves. All Mk1, Mk2 and MK3 York Containers introduced in previous years have continued to be maintained, modified, and updated through rework Programmes as identified by the Royal Mail Assets, Containers and Manual Handling Equipment Team in consultation with the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department and as previously reported in updates to Branches and Area Health and Safety Reps. Mk’s 1, 2 and 3 amounts to the vast majority of the 700,000 York Containers. 1(a) York Container Red ALP (Auto-Level Packet) Sleeves – Mk2A Royal Mail Assets purchased 30,000 Red Mk2(A) ALP Sleeves in 2021 and a further 114,000 Red Mk2(A) ALP Sleeves in 2022 to support the increase in parcels and, so they said, the increase of parcel automation and the new North West and Midlands Super Hubs due to go live. These sleeves were extensively jointly trialed and then introduced. The Mk2A Red ALP Sleeves have an ergonomically improved auto-level mechanism and are an improved asset to the Royal Mail operation. This remains the position supported by the CWU and should be the default option in our view for manual sortation. Presently Mk2(A) ALP sleeves are being held in store pending a final decision on their future (see below). 1(b) York Container White Correx Plastic Sleeves The ‘New Regime’ managing Royal Mail has over the last year introduced ‘White Plastic Correx Sleeves’ to replace the ‘Red ALP Sleeves’ in order to support the increase of parcel automation and automated tipping rates in the new Midlands and North West Super Hubs. However, without our support and agreement and against the strong objections of the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department, these ‘Correx’ sleeves have also been introduced into the Manual Operation with the intention to remove and replace the established, ergonomically designed Red ‘Auto-Levelling Packet’ sleeves. CWU/HQ has continued to strongly object to the introduction and roll-out of Correx sleeves into the manual operation and manual sorting work which has already seen around 50 accidents involving ‘Correx’ to date (which we know of) plus the unsupported Safe System Of Work is just not fit for purpose in our view. The Correx sleeves, being manufactured at the Super Hubs are additionally, in our opinion, an operational burden due to their frailty and lack of sustainability. On the day of a recent visit to the Midland Super Hub, there were around 3,000 damaged and wrecked Correx sleeves awaiting replacement. A week later on a visit to the Milton Keynes site where York Containers are stored and repaired by RMP&FS, it was found that there were 13,000 York Containers with broken, damaged and wrecked Correx sleeves awaiting replacement. Royal Mail has an ongoing review of the York Container Correx sleeves and our input has continued to be that they should be scrapped entirely or at the very least kept completely out of the manual operation and contained only within the automated operation in order to control manual handling risks to our members. Our concerns have also been raised with the HSE. 1(c). York Container – Cardboard Sleeves Royal Mail has informed us that with parcel volumes and large tracked customers fluctuating through peak, the business should have a sufficient flow of sleeves to meet the operational requirements. Therefore, currently there are no plans to procure additional cardboard York Container sleeves this Christmas peak, although the business still has a remaining stock in-house. The National Asset Team will continue to push the regions to ensure that they clear their Delivery Offices every day and repatriations from gaining sites take place. Royal Mail has assured CWU/HQ that they will do everything possible to ensure that Zonal Areas repatriate as many York Containers as possible out of their Delivery Offices. Where regions have sites seeing a shortfall in the flow of sleeved York Containers for customers and/or operations to meet a critical demand and/or an emergency is reached in Offices, Royal Mail has proposed and CWU/HQ has agreed that, the use of Cardboard Sleeves/York Inserts will be permitted as a last resort – with agreement with the RM CPC/Asset Team as follows: As a contingency supply source at Mail Centers on all mail streams (including PSMs), PSCs and RDC’s for outward dispatches and inward dispatches to DOs. For outward dispatches by Mail Centers (including PSMs) and Parcel Sort Centers. Before this contingency is implemented however the site must ensure that all efforts have been made to get York Containers back from their DO’s and that permission has been sought and been given by the RM Asset Team. Designated and approved Customer Streams to MC and DO (AMZ DI/DDU). To move essential PPE and cleaning supplies through to the operation. IMPORTANT: – If Cardboard Sleeves/York Inserts are used as a contingency, the site must ensure that: The CWU Area Safety Representative and Area Processing Representative are consulted should this contingency need to be implemented. That the ‘Mandatory’ SSoW is always followed, cross-members and false bases fitted and rotating duties if necessary. Any Offices found not to be compliant with this instruction will be asked to investigate reasons why this has happened and furnish a report on remedial action taken with the report shared with the CWU Area Safety Representative. Such breaches of the SSoW by management will be viewed as serious! If the demand for parcels decreases, the contingency use of Cardboard Sleeve Inserts will be withdrawn, and Offices will revert to business as usual with Cardboard Sleeves used on the agreed Amazon/Tracked Contracts only and the parcel operation must revert to normal. The cardboard MUST be in good order; the cross member and base must be always inserted in compliance with the SSoW as follows: Under no circumstances is damaged cardboard to be used and it must be discarded locally. Reference to the current, agreed York Container SSoW. Reference to the current, agreed Cardboard Sleeve York Container Additional Requirements SSOW. 1(d). York Containers – Loading Parcels of a Shoe Box Size or larger. In previous years both Royal Mail, Tracked Customer and Amazon had concerns about the shortage of York Containers across the network and additional costs incurred by losing approximately 15% of York fill capacity when inserting Cardboard Sleeve false bases into York Containers. In line with the York Container SSoW, York Containers will be filled and stacked with parcels/packets larger than shoe box size without any form of Cardboard Sleeve or false base etc. This approach is only applied to larger items and Sleeves, Bases and Cross Members will not be removed for smaller packet items, i.e., those smaller than a shoe box size. Those packets will continue to be loaded into sleeved York Containers. The York Container SSoW, under the heading of ‘Approved Loads’ includes the following: ‘loose strapped bundles and boxes which are of sufficient dimensions, that they will be retained by the load retention straps and metal container framework.’ This approach has been ergonomically tested and approved prior to concluding the York Container SSoW. It makes both safety and business sense to apply this principle for larger parcels which are not suitable for loose loading into sleeved York Containers in most cases. 1(e). York Containers – Use of Shrink-Wrap/Cling-Film The existing agreed national policy remains as follows “There is no agreement whatsoever to use “Shrink-Wrap/Cling-Film” on York Containers under any circumstances. Also, Opsflash – CPC (2008) No 167 instructs all sites that have received new trays delivered on pallets and shrink wrapped to remove and dispose of the shrink wrap immediately. There are NO circumstances where the shrink-wrapping of York Containers is acceptable. This practice must not be allowed at any RM site. 2. RSCs Rigid Stackable Containers RSCs are not intended for BAU usage inside Mail Centres and Delivery Offices and are primarily for the Distribution Centres and Parcel Sorting Centres network.  However, with a shortfall in York Containers, there may be circumstances which require flows on a contingency basis for the transfer of workflows where there is sufficient space and where risk assessment and Safe Systems of Work requirements apply.  In respect of workplace transport hazards from FLTs and crush hazards etc., specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) regulations requirements also apply in these work environments, e.g., high visibility clothing and protective footwear. RSCs may only be used in risk controlled working environments as per the Safe Systems of Work. 3. FSC Folding Stackable Containers As Above. Safe information is located on a plate on the side of the container. MCs/DOs should not receive FSCs, however, if received they should be returned to the local RDC as soon as possible. 4. ‘A’ Frame Roll Containers As originally reported in LTBs 838/06 and 840/06, 12,000 supermarket type ‘Roll Cage’ Containers were introduced in 2006 by the Royal Mail Group Procurement Operational Equipment Team, manufactured by ‘Palletower’ and ‘Cargo Pak’. They were strictly intended for internal use (inside Offices) and for storage purposes only, in order to free up much needed York Containers. Since their introduction, the number of York Containers has doubled and the limitations of these ‘Roll Cages’ have seen them become outmoded against the all-round far superior York Container. These containers have therefore and will continue to be run down, phased out and withdrawn from Royal Mail service. A recent circular to Delivery Offices and a similar post put up on the Royal Mail “Workplace on Facebook” site which wrongly suggested that these containers can be used for live mail in bull-rings has been withdrawn by Royal Mail following strong objections by the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department. For removals of the containers please contact: container.reporting@royalmail.com ‎ 5. Loose Loading of Mail Bags – Christmas 2023 Further to enquiries and concerns raised by Branches and Area Safety Reps in previous years regarding possible loose loading, Royal Mail has confirmed they will be taking a number of steps to ensure that loose loading of mail should only take place in exceptional circumstances, as a last resort due to container supply shortages. If loose loading must occur, local CWU Reps will be consulted and the Manual Handling/Loose Loading SSOW will be adhered to. Clear instructions have been issued by Royal Mail HQ CPC that should any service which is normally containerised have to be loose loaded, then the dispatching unit must inform the receiving unit in advance so that they can provide any additional staff resources and working arrangements which may be necessary to ensure health and safety standards are maintained. Extract from Loose Loading Core Risk Assessment: It is a Royal Mail goal that no manual handling task will exceed risk level 2.  Mail Bags average 7kg, maximum gross weight 11kg. Lifting frequency up to 7 bags/minimum over a 30 min period (then rest). Vehicle doors are adequately maintained and must be in good working order. Priority Services bags could exceed 11kgs, but they should be clearly labelled with the weight so that special consideration can be given to lifting. NB: No Priority Services Bag exceeding 11kgs should contain more than 1 item. All equipment is used in accordance with the appropriate Safe System of Work. All staff to have received manual handling training and instruction or refresher training during the past 3 years.  All staff to understand and operate the appropriate Safe System of Work. If there are any tasks that are not listed, the manager must consult the safety team for further advice. No pregnant worker or person under 18 should undertake tasks greater than risk level 1. 6. Plastic Letter Trays Royal Mail purchased 1,295,000 trays in 2021, 493,112 in 2022 and has purchased an additional 500,000 trays in 2023. The 2023 order is already in production and deliveries are underway directly from suppliers during November and December. 7. Mail Bags RM International MB4L Bags for Automation (Blue) RM International has this year deployed a new larger blue bag for use within its Automation Streams known as the MB4L. These bags are not to be used in RM domestic postings and are designed for export only and only to be handled and used within RM International Sites. New RM MB66 Bags for Automation (Yellow) RM has deployed a new variation of the Parcel Sort Machine (PSM) known as the Solystic phase 2b within some of its Mail centers.  These bags are to be used on the machine and the 11kg weight limits will remain.  They are a slightly larger bag with a wider neck to allow greater parcel automation efficiency of larger parcels.  They should not be used on Drop Bag Fittings (DBFs) for manual sortation.  They will be yellow in colour. 8. Amazon Gaylord Pallets Amazon Gaylord pallets will once again be used on RDC, PSC and some Inward Mail Centre traffic streams for Direct Injection traffic and approved flows.  For agreed uses and safety information on Amazon Gaylord Pallets please reference attached SSoWs. 9. Repatriation of York Containers, Trays and Cardboard To ensure sites are safe and clear throughout the busiest time of year with the largest volume of containers within the network, Delivery Offices are to ensure that Container repatriations regularly take place and are returned to the agreed locations. Repatriated York Containers should be fully nested and consolidated in line with the York SSoW as well as being identified on the Office’s Yard Risk Assessment.  This will ensure congestion and potential safety issues are avoided as well as ensuring Royal Mail can maintain York Container supplies to customers in order to deliver a good quality service. Part of this repatriation focus is a “Every York Counts” campaign with messages around misuse and repatriation activity through peak and to highlight where this is not happening. We would encourage ASRs, WSR and IR Reps to report any misuse, failure to utilise York repatriation services to clear offices and any excessive buildup of York Containers within their respective Delivery Offices to container.reporting@royalmail.com including photos where possible, so that they can assist in site clearances and ensure safety and support for the operation and customer requirements. 10. Repair of Faulty & Damaged Containers, Sleeves, Trays All damaged containers must be withdrawn and repaired before being brought back into service. The following instructions relate to the repair of the individual containers: (a) Letter Trays Royal Mail has an agreement with one plastics group for the recycling of RM letter trays, for which Royal Mail receives payment.  For this to be cost effective AAC Ltd will only accept complete trailer loads of trays, equating to 5200 trays.  This process describes the use of a collection point to ensure that trays are recycled and do not build up in offices. Trays must be removed from use if damaged and not suitable for use if, for example: There are any obvious physical defects such as breakages or holes (other than those designed). The tray sides or bottom are split. The handle is damaged e.g., split. The label holder is damaged in such a way as to render it unusable. The tray is NOT deemed damaged if only: The barcode or barcode clip is missing. The tray bottom is bowed. Only the corners are chipped and then only if the break does not leave a jagged or pointed edge. Ensure the damage sustained to trays meets the criteria described above. All damaged trays should be loaded to RSCs.  The trays should be nested, where possible 8 to a layer and 9 layers high, where the height of the trays does not exceed the height of the RSC sides. RSCs of damaged trays should be labelled as shown below and then sent to the local RDC for onward movement to NDC. Spare capacity on existing runs only should be utilised. DAMAGED TRAYS: SEND TO One 51 Plastics (AAC) via Midlands Super Hub NDC to consolidate the RSCs of damaged trays and, when a trailer is loaded to capacity, forward them to One 51 Plastic. (b) York Containers Examples of damage: Sharp, jagged, or pointed hazards. Anything, which prevents proper assembly. Anything, which prevents proper movement. Temporary or amateur repairs. Broken welds. Excessive corrosion. Damaged or missing wheels. Missing wheel retaining nuts, pins, or clips. Poor brake operation. Damaged or defective towing arrangements. Missing or damaged straps or clips. Damaged handle grips. The repair process is as follows: A number of sites have been nominated to receive a scheduled visit by a York repair team (currently RMP&FS). Some sites also act as a consolidation site looking after a catchment area of other offices. For example, SDC in Wishaw receives all of the damaged/strapless York Containers in Scotland and Northern Ireland. A contact at each site has been developed and a location for the storage and repair of York Containers identified. Daily 08:00 count of damaged York Containers is submitted by each site to the container reporting e-mail inbox and the figures are used to monitor and plan activity. Some offices may have a team that visits every day whilst others will be visited by mobile teams as required. The minimum requirement is that there be 50 York Containers needing repair on site. A repairer can replace anything up to 100 straps per day but, if there are structural repairs also needing to be done, the overall number can reduce substantially. The repairer will check each damaged York for other possible problems and does not solely rely on the fault noted by Royal Mail staff. Damaged York Containers may be moved on existing services, from non-repairing sites to a consolidation site (see repair process above) to await repair. Damaged York Containers should be labelled accordingly so that the receiving site is aware. Damaged York Containers must not, be used to form part of a movement order to another site and should never be sent to a customer. Damaged York Containers should not knowingly be used to convey mail through the network. Some straps have given the appearance of losing their elasticity, but tests have been carried out at the manufacturer and replicated by RMG engineers in Swindon and the results show that this does not affect load retention or the safety of the York. It is not, therefore, necessary to replace such straps. Short Strap repairs can be carried out locally at any site.  For more information contact container.reporting@royalmail.com All Mail Centers & RDCs/Hubs/PSCs to perform on site repairs for Short Strap repairs White sleeve repairs to Velcro dots & rivets (c) RSC and FSC Examples of damage to an RSC/FSC are as follows. –      Sharp, jagged, or pointed hazards. –      Anything which prevents proper assembly or movement. –      Temporary or amateur repairs. –      Broken welds. –      Broken side wires bent inwards or outwards. –      Excessive corrosion. –      Mis-aligned feet or spigots which hinder stacking. In these circumstances, an ‘Out of Service’ label must be attached, and the nature of the problem noted on the label. Damaged RSCs/FSC’s should be moved to a designated area to await repair. They may only be stacked if the uprights are intact and make contact with the RSC/FSC above at all 4 corners.  They may not be stacked if to do so would leave an unstable stack.  If in doubt – DO NOT STACK. Damaged RSCs/FSC’s must be forwarded to NDC for onward movement to MK Stores for repair. Movements of damaged RSCs should be agreed with the local Container Equipment Manager beforehand. (d) Auto Levelling Packet Sleeves A minimum of 25 sleeves will be presented for repair in a single consignment.  Sleeves are to be packed in Rigid Stackable Containers (each containing 25 sleeves). Clearly labelled damaged RSCs are to be returned to SWDC for onward movement back to the manufacturer Jacon. (e) York Cardboard Sleeves Cardboard sleeves are not repairable. Any damaged sleeves must be disposed of by local arrangement. Any re-usable parts of cardboard sleeves must be returned to Amazon; whether by direct transfer or via the nearest RDC. Cardboard inserts to be stored/transferred in York’s or palletised on at Regional Distribution Centre’s using good pallets. If held/stored onsite ahead of transfer, they must be kept under cover or protected from the weather. All component parts must be in good order (certainly not water damaged or torn) and ready to use. Any not meeting these criteria should be disposed of locally. York Containers must be individually packed i.e., no mixed component parts please. York Containers to separately contain X Member/Sides/Bases which must be stacked neatly. Any transfers arriving at Amazon that do not meet these criteria may be refused by the Amazon Team. (f) Cardboard RSCs/Euro Pallet Boxes Any damage needs to be checked. The following damage would render the Cardboard RSC unusable: Water damaged/wet cardboard. Tears greater than 25%/¼ of the length of any one side or along any seam. Tears in 2 adjoining corners of the tray or lid. Staples in the seam undone with exposed points. Broken Pallet Base such that the wooden planks are broken, or the corner blocks are damaged such that they would not support a load. The following would not necessarily render the Cardboard RSC/Euro Pallet Boxes unusable: Small holes in the side walls, for example made by the forklift. Small tears, i.e., less than 25%/¼ of the length of any one side or along any seam. One tear in the corner of the tray or lid. If there is any doubt as to the safe condition of the asset, then it must be considered damaged. Any damage which renders the sleeve unusable needs to be reported and the damaged part (i.e., the lid, sleeve, or tray) marked with a cross from a thick marker pen. Only the damaged part needs to be marked as the undamaged parts may be used as spares. Transport and transfer equipment must meet the receiving customer’s safety requirements. (g) Wheeled Container Repair Process including Mini York Containers (Other than York Containers) The following process should be used to keep wheeled containers functional: When a wheeled container (other than a York) is found to be faulty, remove it from operational service and label it accordingly. Log the fault with the Properties & Facilities Helpdesk on 0870 850 1000, who will give a reference number. The Helpdesk will then contact RMP&FS, who allocates the work to the local coordinator. An RMP&FS engineer then plans and completes the repair. If the repair is not economical, the engineer condemns the equipment and advises the Unit Manager. The Unit Manager then decides if they want it replaced and completes a Requisition Form ECF01 and sends it to the Asset Support Team. When the repair is completed, RMP&FS invoice through the Inter Business Agreement, which is funded from the central assets budget. Area budgets are not affected. (h) General note on containers: If there are any surplus containers on site that are not damaged and you are unsure of where to send them, you should contact the assets team via container.reporting@royalmail.com for York Containers, Trays and Sleeves or RSCs. Contingency Arrangements 11. Pallets – Transportation, Processing, Unloading and Stacking of Pallets This year Royal Mail has again faced an increased requirement from bulk customers to accept and process palletised loads, including shrink/stretch wrapped palletised traffic and Cardboard Pallet Boxes from Amazon known as Gaylords. The SSoWs are in place to ensure sufficient up to date information and instruction is available to allow Offices and managers to control safety risks for the specific tasks and ensure the correct work methods are adopted and materials handling equipment is deployed for this increasing area of work to ensure it can be completed safely. The SSoW and associated, embedded SSoWs are attached. This includes the attached documents – Pallet Truck SSoW, DDT SSoW, Palletising of Trays SSoW, and Manual Handling SSoW. 12. Cardboard RSCs/Cardboard Euro Pallet Boxes/Amazon Gaylord Pallets/ Shrink Wrapped Pallets As originally reported in LTB 632/05 these types of containers have been successfully utilised during successive Christmas peak periods since 2005 and were introduced to provide contingency ‘back-up’ container assets as York Container use is maximised, as opposed to using York Containers and RSCs when in short supply so these are brought into service and used during the Christmas peak period mainly for customer use. These are used primarily in the RDC, PSC network, RM International BAU streams and used as a ‘contingency measure’ for when demand outstrips supply of York Containers and RSCs for agreed flows – as an alternative. These variant containers are folding, heavy-duty cardboard containers with the base fixed to a standard wooden Euro Pallet. For 2023 RM has not purchased or planned to deploy Euro Pallet Boxes during the Christmas peak period. However, this process/asset is available as a contingency back-up as an additional container type during the Christmas peak period and intended: For use anywhere in Royal Mail’s network and at large customer premises. For storage of empty bags and trays to release RSCs into the network. For conveyance of Customer Parcel Returns. For conveyance of Customer Collections. For conveyance of parcels within the RM network (RDCs, MCs, PSCs & Customers). For use in RM International BAU flows. For conveyance of empty bags to customers. For empty bags, empty trays, and bags of mail. CRSCs and Euro Pallet boxes are intended to be: A reusable container and serviceable for over 8 trips per usage. Used indoors and in the network, but NOT for external storage where they may get wet. Folded flat when being stored empty. For agreed uses and safety information on CRSCs, Euro Pallet Boxes, Pallets and loads please reference attached SSoWs. 13. Operational Waste Management Operational waste such as cardboard and shrink wrapping will increase over the Christmas peak period operation as we receive increased volumes of parcels and packets from our customers.  The business-as-usual process for managing this within the operational sites remains unchanged with an uplift in collections by RMG waste providers in line with forecasted volumes.  Additional site clearances can be requested should they be required through the RM PFS helpdesk.  Details of the process have been attached with this LTB. 14. Contacts & Phone Numbers – IMPORTANT Should Area Safety Representatives wish to discuss any issues or questions in relation to Container Control or Container Equipment, the following field managers can be contacted for all Royal Mail Container related issues: National Team Contacts National Head of Assets                                                                                                           Gary Yeo – 07872 636537 National Asset Supply Chain Manager                                                                                  Julie Brown – 07553 379256 National Asset Operations Manager (All sites below)                                                       Clare Smith – 07872 816461 Belfast, SDC, Edinburgh, Perth, Inverness and Aberdeen, Warrington, Chester, NWDC, NWPSC Tyneside, Darlington, Preston, Chorley, Carlisle, Manchester, Stockport, Leeds, Bradford, York, YDC, Sheffield, Doncaster and Hull, Nottingham, NEPSC, East Midlands Airport, Crewe, Shrewsbury, HCN, NHCDC, Greenford, PRDC, Jubilee, Guilford and Woking, Derby, Coventry, Leicester, Peterborough, Cambridge, Norwich and Ipswich, Chelmsford, Southend, Medway, SEDC, Canterbury, Tonbridge, Croydon, Gatwick, London Central, South Warwick, Victoria, Romford, and Whitechapel Container Manager International Nalin Mandalia – 07715480197 HWDC and LAMU, Atherstone International 15. Health & Safety Processes From a Health and Safety point of view the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department will continue our joint work with Gary Yeo RM Head of Assets and Julie Brown RM National Asset Supply Chain Manager along with the SHE (Safety, Health and Environment) Team and the RMPFS Property Safety and Compliance Team to monitor health and safety throughout the Christmas Operations. 16. IR Aspects The IR aspects of the Christmas peak period are dealt with by the Postal Department.  All Operational enquiries should be addressed to the appropriate Postal Department Operational Officer. Attachments: These documents are accurate as of the time of sharing. The current version is always held on the SHE Knowledge Database, accessible by managers. Manual Pallet Truck (MPT) SSOW v1.2 York and Mini -York Safe System of Work v3.2 Pallets SSOW v1.4 Shrink-Wrapping Pallets SWI v1.0 Cardboard Sleeve York Container Additional Requirements SSOW v1.1 Transport of Yorks and RSCs SSOW v1.3 Non-Wheeled Container SSOW v1.7 Operating Double Deck Trailers v1.3 Vehicle Load Plan – 95 Double Deck Trailer v 1.7 Vehicle Load Plan – Single Lower Deck Trailer Load Plan v 1.5 Waste Cardboard Management & Disposal Process Operation and Use of Knives SWI v1.0.doc Yours sincerely Dave Joyce National Health, Safety & Environment Officer 23LTB319 Royal Mail Materials Handling Containerisation Update & Christmas Arrangements 2023 – Health & Safety Aspects Manual Pallet Truck (MPT) SSoW_v1.2 York and Mini-York Safe System Of Work v3.2Pallets SSOW v1.4 Pallets SSOW v1.4 Shrink-Wrapping Pallets_SWI_v1.0 Cardboard Sleeve York Container Additional Requirements SSoW v1.1 Transport of Yorks and RSCs SSOW v.1.3 Non-Wheeled Containers SSOW v1.7 RMG Operating Double Deck Trailers (DDT) SSoW_v1.3 Vehicle_Load_Plan-95_York_Double_Deck_Trailer_v1.7 Vehicle Load Plan-Single-Lower Deck Trailers v1.5 Waste Cardboard Disposal Process November 2021 ver1.4 Operation and Use of Knives SWI v1.0

No. 320/2023 Our Ref:  C25/23 To:  All Branches Dear Colleagues, Christmas Peak 2023 – Repatriation of York Containers: Discussions with the Royal Mail Head of Assets and his team which manages York Container provision and flows through the network have been taking place in order to ensure safe working at both permanent and temporary sites through the 2023 Christmas Peak period which, as we all know, is Royal Mail’s busiest period, with around double the normal volumes of parcels and stamped letters processed. Royal Mail is hiring 16,000 temporary workers for this year’s Christmas Peak period and an additional 7,000 hired vehicles across the Royal Mail Group plus extra temporary processing outhouses have been created across five seasonal parcel sorting centres in Atherstone, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Daventry and Greenford. Royal Mail expects the two new automated Super Hubs in the Midlands and North West to process two million parcels a day across both sites. Parcelforce Worldwide is also recruiting additional drivers and indoor workers. We have no doubt whatsoever that CWU members across the UK will be pulling out all the stops to deliver for the nation at Christmas, Royal Mail and Parcelforce’s busiest time of the year and we know how important it is to deliver on time for the UK public. One of the main problems we face internally each year is promptly clearing Delivery Office and MPU sites of empty York Containers, repatriating them back to the processing centres and in doing so avoiding yard congestion, maintaining yard safety and workplace transport safety standards for both the workforce and site visitors which increase in number at Christmas Peak. To ensure sites are safe and clear throughout the busiest time of year with the largest volume of containers within the network, Delivery Offices are to ensure that Container repatriations regularly take place and are returned to the agreed locations. Repatriated Yorks should be fully nested and consolidated in line with the York SSoW as well as being identified on the Office’s Yard Risk Assessment.  This will ensure congestion and potential safety issues are avoided as well as ensuring Royal Mail can maintain York Container supplies to customers in order to deliver a good quality service. Part of this repatriation focus is a “Every York Counts” campaign with messages around misuse and repatriation activity through peak and to highlight where this is not happening. Royal Mail Assets have requested the assistance and support of the CWU locally to monitor York container clearances and repatriation arrangements at Delivery Office and MPU sites in order to avoid the build-up of huge numbers of empty Yorks. Royal Mail Assets would encourage ASRs, WSR and IR Reps to report any misuse, failure to utilise York repatriation services to clear offices and any excessive build-up of York Containers within their respective Delivery Offices to container.reporting@royalmail.com including photos where possible, so that they can assist in site clearances and ensure safety and support for the operation and customer requirements. Whenever and wherever the number should build up to a level of concern, CWU Reps are requested to report the situation and road services will then be laid on to make clearances of the Offices concerned and so maintain safety and operational expediency at the same time, so protecting safety and quality of service. Should CWU Reps need to report any Offices with large numbers of Yorks not being repatriated – please report it by either e-mailing: container.reporting@royalmail.com or telephone Gary Yeo – 07872 636537 or Julie Brown – 07553 379256. Your help and support is much appreciated. Yours sincerely Dave Joyce National Health, Safety & Environment Officer 23LTB320 Christmas Peak 2023 – Repatriation of York Containers Peak ROD Key Messages V2 (002)

No. 321/2023 Our Ref:  C1/23 To:  All Branches Dear Colleagues, Royal Mail, Parcelforce and RM International Christmas Operations 2023 – Temporary Outhouses and Marquees – Health and Safety Introduction: This is to inform and update Branches and Area Health and Safety Representatives that for the twelfth year running, Royal Mail Opps, Parcelforce Worldwide and Royal Mail International are setting up and opening a dedicated network of temporary outhouses, overflow, relief sites as part of the 2023 Christmas operations, to deal with and handle the significantly increased traffic volumes and to sort a significant proportion of the parcels/packets Royal Mail handles before distribution around the UK and final delivery. The sites open on a phased basis from November. Our apologies for the late issue of this LTB due to the late return and response of Royal Mail. We have been informed that SHE Team members including the Director Health and Safety, Head of Health and Wellbeing, RMP&FS Property Risk and Assurance Lead, SHE Team Advisors etc., are all working in the operation, in Delivery Offices, instead of on health and safety! The temporary network will handle a significant proportion of the additional parcels/packets from the normal sorting network of Mail Centres and Regional Distribution Centres, enabling Royal Mail to cope adequately with the increased volumes of parcel/packet traffic as a result of the continued growth of online retail shopping as effectively as possible, providing Royal Mail with the increased capacity and flexibility needed as well as reducing the potential for congestion in Mail Centres and Regional Distribution Centres that sort parcels, cards and letters at the busiest time of the year. The set up will also enable the operation to cope better in the event of any severe weather conditions. Discussions have taken place with Royal Mail Group in relation to Health and Safety at the Temporary Outhouse Christmas Sort Centres and Satellite Offices to ensure full access and involvement of CWU ASRs in order that they be fully engaged and for ASRs to undertake Health and Safety inspections, pre-start and ongoing safety spot-checks once the outhouses are operational and that they be fully involved, working with the RMG SHE Team, Property Team and Operational Management, to deal with any health, safety, welfare and working environment issues during occupation. All the relevant Royal Mail Group Central SHE safety, health and environment documents are attached. Operational Management supported by the RMG SHE Team will take responsibility for health and safety procedures in temporary outhouses, working with CWU Area Safety Representatives. CWU RM Christmas Temporary Outhouses Health & Safety Guide for ASRs-2023: The guide for ASRs covers all the basics that ASRs need to be inspecting and checking e.g., staff safety training and information including site induction training, statutory Health and Safety notices are in place, manual handling training, new/temp employees and visitors, safe systems of work, environmental controls, adequate heating and lighting for a safe place of work, risk assessment, housekeeping, safe machines, plant and equipment, fault reporting, noise and dust control, fire safety and evacuation plan, first aid, ensuring all accidents and near misses are reported and investigated, emergency procedures, joint workplace safety inspections and monitoring, workplace transport and yard risk controls, continued effective vehicle and pedestrian segregation on site, PPE, emergency procedures and workplace monitoring. Site access and involvement of CWU Area Safety Representatives is important with these temporary outhouse sites during Christmas Peak operations. Safety Documents: I also attach several Royal Mail Group Central SHE Team national safety documents which have gone out to Royal Mail Regions and Safety Teams which they have been asked to complete when introducing additional Outhouses or Temporary Structures to support their Christmas operation. These are: (1) Safety Assessment and Concurrence (SAC1) Unit Level Action Plan (2) Temporary Accommodation Health & Safety Checklist (3) Temporary Accommodation Health & Safety Checklist Marquees on existing sites (4) Guidance Note For Persons In Control (PIC) Where Temporary Heating is Provided SAC1 & Risk Assessments: Completion of the SAC 1 in particular may lead to the requirement to review a number of risk assessments in light of changes being introduced, for example: Yard – Primarily to ensure continued effective vehicle and pedestrian segregation on site. Workplace – To identify and record any other significant risk issue inside the building. First Aid – Some of these sites can be remote and require first aid provision to be made. PPE – Potentially a number of risks at the site in terms of vehicle/pedestrian segregation and with adjacent properties who share the yard. Work Equipment – Normal work equipment may not suit some premises/environments. Fire Risk Assessment including fire evacuation plans – essential. Royal Mail will also be ensuring the following points have been considered: Site induction training – Everyone will be new to the premises. Statutory Notices in place – See the new Health and Safety notice board standard. Accident reporting procedure – Arrangements in place to allow reporting of accidents and near misses. Heating – RMPFS directive followed for temporary heating. Housekeeping standards – To minimise the risk of slip and trip accidents. Manual handling training – For all the temporary staff. This set of clear arrangements will help overcome problems experienced in the past with Christmas ‘Outhouses’, ensuring better Health and Safety standards, joint working and problem solving. Attached are the Royal Mail Opps, Parcelforce Worldwide and Royal Mail International locations of the Christmas Outhouses and additional buildings and Marquee Accommodation being used for the Christmas period 2023. Attachments: CWU Royal Mail Christmas Operation – Temporary Outhouses Health & Safety Guide for ASRs 2023 SAC1 Unit Level Action Plan V2.1 (SHEI 5.3) Change Management Guidance SAC1 (SHEI 5.3) (Appendix1) RMG Xmas 23 Site List for Compliance Peak Property Update Planning Group 200923 Temporary Outhouses PFS2_350 V.1 Health & Safety Checklist Marquees on Existing Sites PFS2_355 V.1 Health & Safety Checklist Temporary Heating PFS2_360a V.1 Person In Control Guide Temporary Heating Appliances PFS2_360b V.1 Checklist For Use Royal Mail Group Xmas 23 Site List Yours sincerely Dave Joyce National Health, Safety & Environment Officer 23LTB321 Royal Mail, Parcelforce and RM International Christmas Operations 2023 – Temporary Outhouses and Marquees – Health and Safety ROYAL MAIL XMAS TEMP OUTHOUSES HS GUIDE FOR ASRs 2023 SAC1 Unit Level Action Plan V2.1 (SHEI 5.3) Change Management Guidance SAC1(SHEI 5.3)(Appendix 1) Copy of RMG Xmas 23 Site List For Compliance Original Peak Property Update Planning Group 200923 PFS2_350_Temporary Outhouses PFS2_355_Marquees on Existing Sites PFS2_360a_Temporary Heating Person in Control Guide PFS2_360b_Checklist for Use of Temporary Heating Appliances RMG Xmas 23 Site List

No. 325/2023 Our Ref:  V4/23 To:  All Branches Dear Colleagues, Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 017 – ‘E-Bikes and E-Scooters – Storage and Charging on Royal Mail/Parcelforce Premises’: Introduction: Royal Mail Group’s Safety Team have issued ‘RMG SHE Safety Flash FY23 017’ which in effect does two things: Bans the parking/storage of private, personal e-cycles and e-scooters indoors on all Royal Mail sites due to the risk of fire. Bans the charging of private, personal e-cycle and e-scooter batteries on all Royal Mail sites due to the risk of fire. Background: Electric bicycles and electric scooters, or e-bikes and e-scooters, are now more popular than ever. Over the past few years the UK’s cycle retailers have seen a huge growth in sales and ownership. These devices give riders a low-cost and environmentally friendly way of getting around. But, unknown to many users, the batteries that power e-bikes and e-scooters have also been known to catch on fire and cause explosions, hence the reason behind the issuing of this Safety Flash. Electric bike sales have continued to be on the rise with around 50,000 – 60,000 sold each year in the UK compared to overall UK bike sales of over 3 million, and the evidence points towards serious growth over the next 30 years. Electric Scooter sales have likewise continued to rapidly rise. Sales of these ‘illicit’ micromobility devices are also booming. An estimated 1 million private e-scooters are now in use on the UK’s roads, zipping along bike lanes, weaving in and out of traffic and sometimes terrorising pedestrians on the pavement despite them being illegal on UK public roads. Media coverage and reports from the Fire Service and Police have raised awareness of the fire risk when charging lithium batteries for these electric cycles and scooters. Powered by ‘Lithium-ion’ batteries, if not used correctly, damaged or defective, over-charged, charged with faulty or the wrong charging equipment etc., these batteries can overheat, catch fire or explode. The fires give off toxic gases and burn extremely hot. Whether e-bikes or e-scooters are used as a way of commuting, getting around or just for fun, there are important safety tips to keep in mind when charging or storing these devices. Description – The Fire Risk Danger: The London Fire Brigade (LFB) report that fires involving lithium batteries do happen with some regularity and are the fastest growing fire risk in London. So far in 2023 the LFB have been called to, on average, an e-bike or e-scooter fire once every two days. In 2022, they attended 87 e-bike and 29 e-scooter fires, a total of 116 fires. These lithium batteries can start incredibly ferocious fires which can spread quickly and get out of control within minutes, causing a large fire. The fires have led to deaths and many injuries. In 2021, Transport for London (TfL) banned e-scooters from London’s transport network. This is due to a number of fires on the network involving these scooters. This means people are unable to take their electric personal scooters/bikes on any TfL service; buses, trains, trams, light railway etc. Impact/Injuries: Lithium battery fires have led to deaths and many injuries. Police Action – E-Scooter Prosecutions: Man Pays Hefty £836 Fine And Costs For Illegally Riding An Electric Scooter In Cardiff Last Year A Cardiff Magistrates Court found Kasim Abdul Gehlan, guilty of contravening the Road Traffic Act by taking an e-scooter ride on Penlan Road last year. It is only legal to ride an e-scooter in the UK either on private land or as part of a share/rental scheme approved by the local authority. Mr. Gehlan broke the law and was driving without insurance. He was also found guilty of riding the vehicle without due care and attention and failing to stop when a police constable asked him to do so. Mr. Gehlan has been fined £660 plus £176 costs and surcharges. He also received eight points on his driving license and the e-scooter was confiscated and destroyed. Man Gets £1,000 Fine And Six Points On His License After Borrowing Son’s E-Scooter Because He Was Running Late James Bladen was stopped by Police after borrowing his teenage son’s e-scooter to get to a doctor’s appointment and said he had “no idea” it was illegal to ride an e-scooter anywhere but on private land. After appearing in court he was given a £1,000 fine, £56 surcharge as well as six points on his driving licence. His son’s £400 e-scooter was confiscated and destroyed. Man Who Drove £500 Electric Scooter Without Insurance Fined By Magistrates George Seed admitted using an e-scooter on a road without third-party insurance when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.  Magistrates heard from the prosecution that Seed committed the offence in Pershore, on the B4084 River Bridge, and was stopped by an officer who spotted him.  Seed pleaded guilty and was fined £467 including costs and six penalty points were added to his licence. George Seed’s £500 e-scooter was crushed by the Police because it wasn’t road legal. Key Messages: Cycling to work is a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transport but the message from Royal Mail Group is that e-bikes must be stored outside in a designated cycle storage area and not charged on Royal Mail Group (Royal Mail, Parcelforce, RMSS, RMP&FS etc.,) sites in order to reduce the risk of fires. This also applies to e-scooters. Royal Mail Group are also reminding employees that it is illegal to ride personal e-scooters on public roads, pavements, or cycle lanes. Actions: PiCs/Managers must ensure that e-bikes or e-scooters are stored outside in a designated storage area which has been risk-assessed. PiCs/Managers will inform the workforce that the charging of e-bike or e-scooter batteries on Royal Mail premises is prohibited. CWU ASR/WSR Action: ASRs/WSRs please ensure that this Safety Flash is communicated and brought to the attention of all appropriate delivery members in Royal Mail and Parcelforce and all parts of RMG. ASRs/WSRs to spot-check that the SHE Flash actions are deployed by PiCs/Managers. ASRs to check compliance with this matter during Workplace Safety Inspections and ensure delivery members are briefed. Attachments: Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 017 – ‘E-Bikes and E-Scooters – Storage and Charging on Royal Mail/Parcelforce Premises’. Electric Scooters and the Law – Fact Sheet. Electric Bikes: Licensing, Tax and Insurance – Fact Sheet. Yours sincerely Dave Joyce National Health, Safety & Environment Officer 23LTB325 RMG (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 017 – ‘E-Bikes and E-Scooters – Storage and Charging on Royal Mail and Parcelforce Premises’ SHE Flash FY23 017- E-bike,Scooter Storage-,Charging Electric Scooters and The Law! (Fact Sheet) Electric bikes – licensing, tax and insurance Fact Sheet (GovUK)

No. 327/2023 Our Ref:  C1/23 To:  All Branches Dear Colleagues, RMG/CWU Joint Statement On Xmas Outhouses Health & Safety: This LTB is being issued further to LTB 321/23. Royal Mail Group Operations (in Royal Mail, Parcelforce Worldwide and Royal Mail International) have again this year set up a dedicated network of temporary outhouses, overflow, relief sites, some on temporary sites and some on in-house sites as part of the 2023 Christmas operations, to deal with and handle the increased Christmas traffic volumes. Our apologies for the late issue of this LTB due to the late return and response of Royal Mail. We have been informed that SHE Team members including the Director of Health and Safety are all working in the operation, in Delivery Offices, instead of on health and safety! Discussions have taken place with Royal Mail Group in relation to Health and Safety at the Temporary Outhouse Christmas Sort Centres and Satellite Offices to ensure the full access and involvement of CWU ASRs in order that they are fully engaged to undertake Health and Safety inspections, pre-start and to continue with ongoing safety inspections and spot-checks now that the Outhouses are operational. This will enable ASRs to be fully involved, working with the RMG SHE Team, Property Team and Operational Management, to deal with any health, safety, welfare and working environment issues during occupation. Operational Management supported by the RMG SHE Team will take responsibility for health and safety procedures in temporary outhouses, working with CWU Area Safety Representatives. An ASR’s guide covering all the basics that ASRs need to be inspecting and checking has been issued under cover of the previous LTB 321/23. See attached ‘Joint Statement’ which has been signed by the Royal Mail Group Director of Health and Safety (who reports directly to the new RMG CEO). This confirms commitments to; staff safety training and information including site induction training, statutory Health and Safety Notices are in place, manual handling training, new/temp employees and visitors, safe systems of work, environmental controls, adequate heating and lighting safe place of work, risk assessment, housekeeping, safe machines, plant and equipment, fault reporting, noise and dust control, fire safety and evacuation plan, first aid, ensuring all accidents and near misses are reported and investigated, emergency procedures, joint workplace safety inspections and monitoring, workplace transport and yard risk controls, continued effective vehicle and pedestrian segregation on site, PPE, emergency procedures and workplace monitoring. RMG safety documentation has been issued with the previous LTB 321/23. Site access and involvement of CWU Area Safety Representatives is important with these temporary outhouse sites during Xmas peak operations. This set of clear arrangements will help overcome problems experienced in the past with Christmas ‘Outhouses’, ensuring better health and safety standards, joint working and problem solving. The full list of Christmas Outhouses and additional in-house, on-site temporary buildings and Marquee Accommodation being used for the Christmas period are contained in LTB 321/23. Yours sincerely Dave Joyce National Health, Safety & Environment Officer 23LTB327 RMG CWU Joint Statement On Xmas Outhouses Health & Safety RM Xmas Operation Temp Outhouses Health and Safety

No. 331/23 TO: ALL BRANCHES Dear Colleagues ­CWU 2024 Diary Branches who have ordered diaries should now be in receipt of them.  If you have not received your diaries or would like to place an order please email me directly. The pocket diary is priced at £2.00 and the A5 desk diary is priced at £4.00. We continue to offer branches bulk discount on pocket diaries only on orders of 1,000 or more for £1.50 per diary. All completed order forms and enquiries on this LTB should be sent to me by email to mmurray@cwu.org Kind regards, Marcia Murray Communications Department Team Co-ordinator 23LTB331 CWU 2024 Diary DIARY ORDER FORM

No. 332/2023 Our Ref:  V4/23 To:  All Branches Dear Colleagues, Electric Scooters (e-scooters) Use And The Law – Warning: Introduction: Further to LTB 325/23 a number of enquiries have been received in relation to the ‘legality’ of the use by members of privately owned e-scooters to commute to and from Royal Mail Group workplaces and this LTB is to provide guidance to Branches, Reps and members. E-Scooter Safety And Accidents: Last year there were 1,402 reported collisions involving e-scooters, with 356 scooter riders being seriously injured, 782 being slightly injured and 12 people being killed. The E-Scooter Law In 2023: Rental electric scooters (e-scooters) are the only way to legally ride an e-scooter on public roads or in other public places within Government designated trial cities and areas – and even this is limited to specific boroughs. The bottom line is that it is still illegal to use privately-owned e-scooters or other powered transporters on public roads. In short – the rules for privately owned e-scooters have not changed. It is against the law to use a privately owned e-scooter. If a person uses an e-scooter illegally: They could be prosecuted and face a fine They will receive penalty points on their drivers license The e-scooter can be confiscated and destroyed CWU Advice: Prosecution, driver’s license penalties and driving bans can obviously affect members’ jobs if prosecuted and a driving ban results. Our advice therefore is to comply with the law of the land and not to use e-scooters on public roads, footpaths, cycle routes, pavements etc., either for social, domestic, pleasure or commuting to/from work and members who own e-scooters most certainly must not under any circumstances use them for work purposes e.g., on delivery which could result in serious conduct code action and penalties by the employer. Trial Areas Department for Transport Government sanctioned e-scooter trials are taking place in these areas: Bournemouth and Poole Buckinghamshire (Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Princes Risborough) Cambridge Cheshire West and Chester (Chester) Derby Essex (Basildon, Braintree, Chelmsford and Colchester) Gloucestershire (Cheltenham and Gloucester) Great Yarmouth Liverpool London (participating boroughs) Milton Keynes Newcastle North and West Northamptonshire (Northampton, Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough) North Devon Norwich Nottingham Oxfordshire (Oxford) Salford Solent (Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton) Somerset (Taunton, Minehead and Yeovil) Tees Valley (Hartlepool and Middlesbrough) West Midlands (Birmingham) West of England Combined Authority (Bristol and Bath) York A New Form Of Transport The Government wants to explore new, environmentally-friendly, greener forms of transport that can be used to reduce road congestion and pollution – but need to make sure that any alternatives are safe for both users and non-users alike. The current rental e-scooter trial is designed to help test the best ways to protect the public. Rental e-scooters have specific safety features installed. For example, they are limited to a speed of 12.5mph and have lights that are always on throughout any rental. The second phase of the rental trial launched on 25 September 2023 is being operated by Dott, Lime and Voi. This is in line with Department for Transport national guidance that allows e-scooter trials across the UK to run until 31 May 2024. Use Electric Scooters Legally The e-scooter rental scheme is the only sanctioned public road use scheme approved by the Department for Transport (DfT). Privately-Owned E-Scooters Are Not Legal To Use On Public Roads Currently e-scooters may be used on private land with permission from the landowner or occupier but several laws make it illegal and/or spell out the penalties if a person is caught riding one on public roads: Driving a motor vehicle with no insurance – the rider could be liable for a fixed penalty of £300 and six points on their driving license. Driving vehicles on pavements is generally an offence – this applies at all times to all types of e-scooters and powered transporters. Some of the laws do not apply to mobility scooters or e-bikes (electrically-assisted pedal cycles) which are not treated as motor vehicles. The Gov.uk website has details of the law on powered transporters. Scooters On Public Transport People are not allowed to carry e-scooters or e-unicycles on TfL services or in stations or other premises on the public transport network, even when folded. This safety step comes after defective lithium-ion batteries in privately-owned e-scooters and e-unicycles caused fires on the greater London network. E-scooter owners risk a fine of up to £1,000 if they don’t comply. E-scooters hired under the rental e-scooters trial have always been banned from TfL services because they cannot be folded. The E-Scooter Rental Trials Since June 2021 electric scooters (e-scooters) have been available to rent in trial areas. The rental e-scooters are currently provided by three different rental operators: Dott Lime Voi The operators were chosen after an open and competitive process to assess their ability to meet strict safety requirements and high operating standards. (For example, the scooter batteries can be monitored to ensure they meet fire safety regulations). Making Safety A Priority The trial will also help better understand how e-scooters can be used safely – and how policy should be developed in the future. Trial area local authorities are charged with taking steps to ensure that anyone using a rental e-scooter rides safely and follows the rules of the road as well as guidance from the rental operator. The safety features include: Riders must be 18 or over and hold at least a provisional driving license. The speed limit of trial e-scooters is capped at 12.5mph – they will automatically reduce speed to 8mph in ‘go slow’ areas. The trial e-scooters also come to a safe stop in ‘no-go’ zones to ensure they can be ridden safely. All first time riders must to do mandatory education on how to ride safely. The trial e-scooters are maintained to a high level and have large wheels to help navigate road surfaces more easily. Lights at the front and rear of the vehicles are always on throughout any rental. Major Electric Scooter (e-scooter) Law Changes from 5 December 2023: From December 5, 2023, all new and existing members of electric scooter trials must provide their name and driving license number. In addition to this, they must submit a photograph of the front of their driving license under new minimum standards of verification. Operators of the 30 plus e-scooter trials schemes must ensure they have robust systems in place for capturing license information, as well as storing it securely. This is being done to ensure data can be given to the Police if it has been requested, either via a third-party provider or through the operators themselves. Further new requirements are being introduced to ensure that license checking software, or customer service team checks, are used to check the validity of driving licenses. Riders of electric scooters will also see changes to their experience when using apps, with the vital information now being included. This will include the relevant age limit for the trial and the rule that the person riding the e-scooter must hold a valid driving license. Lawyers welcome the changes with a leading spokesperson stating that the new regulations could improve safety for riders and other road users, adding that too often we see the devastating impact road collisions can have and how clients are often left needing specialist support and rehabilitation. The new legislation coming into force on December 5 is a positive step in the right direction in order to protect the safety of e-scooter users and other road users. However, the vulnerability of e-scooter users remains a concern. Calls for e-scooter training and education have arisen from various sources in order to further encourage safe e-scooter usage and protect the safety of all road users. In 2022, there were 1,402 reported collisions involving e-scooters, with 356 users being seriously injured, 782 being slightly injured and 12 people being killed. There is optimism from road safety experts, that the new rules will cut down on the number of younger, and potentially more unsafe riders and boost road safety for all. The Government has warned people about the risks they face if they use an e-scooter illegally including a fine, penalty points and the e-scooter could be confiscated, impounded and destroyed. Privately owned e-scooters cannot be used in public, being illegal to use without a number of legal requirements like number plates, insurance and lights. The Planned New Transport Bill and Electric Scooter Laws: The planned Transport Bill that would contain regulations to fully legalise electric scooters in the UK has been delayed until at least late next year – with a Government minister saying it is still studying the evidence from the ongoing rental trials. A letter has been sent to the Prime Minister signed by more than 50 organisations urgently calling on the Government to legalise e-scooters. This includes environmental charities and campaigners, local authorities, disabled people’s organisations, micromobility operators and retailers. They are warning that the UK is at risk of falling behind the rest of Europe. They state that the current lack of certainty combined with the fact an estimated 750,000 privately owned and unregulated e-scooters are on UK roads illicitly, underscores the importance of e-scooter legislation being introduced. Further updates will be published in due course when further law changes are announced. Yours sincerely Dave Joyce National Health, Safety & Environment Officer 23LTB332 Electric Scooters (e-scooters) Use And The Law – Warning