Post Office – extension agreed for ‘vulnerable people’ policy

Postal, Post Office (PO) May 26 2020

Post Office workers in three key ‘vulnerable categories’ have been reassured that their Covid-19 pay protection will extend beyond the initial 12-week period, after agreement was reached last week in talks between the CWU and the company.

At an early stage in the public health crisis, the Post Office accepted that workers in these specific groups would be granted up to 12 weeks’ full pay – an arrangement designated as ‘special paid leave’.

This period expires on June 14 and the discussions that have been taking place were aimed at reaching a mutually agreeable solution for those individuals affected who will still be unable to safely return to work.

CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey explains that the three groupings are categorised as ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’, ‘clinically vulnerable’ and ‘living with an extremely vulnerable person’.

Last Friday (May 22), Andy received notification from the Post Office’s group executive that the ‘special paid leave’ provision will be extended until June 30 – and that the position will be reviewed every four weeks thereafter in line with government guidance.

Andy reported this positive development to this morning’s CWU postal executive meeting, and, speaking just after the executive, he said: “This is great news for those members affected and I’m also pleased this has been resolved almost three weeks in advance of the original June 14 deadline.

“This will give reassurance and peace of mind to a significant number of members that they will continue to be paid for the whole of June.”

He praised the “determined efforts” of postal executive member Lynn Simpson who has, he pointed out “engaged with Post Office management almost on a daily basis on this matter and other Covid-19 related issues.”

Andy also welcomed the attitude of the Post Office senior management in this matter, describing their approach as “sympathetic, positive and helpful” in reaching this solution.

“This is an extremely positive outcome, which I’m certain will be welcomed by those members who unfortunately find themselves in a vulnerable position,” he concluded.

·         For further details, please see LTB 273