Workplace Report September 2004

Health & safety news

CWU slams Royal Mail sickness gimmick

Communications union CWU has condemned Royal Mail plans to create a prize draw for workers who are not ill over the next six months.

"Gimmicks won't offer a solution to low morale and stress levels resulting from the physical demands of the job and regimented management styles," said CWU deputy general secretary Dave Ward. "We have seen plans they have to bully and harass our people back to work even when they are genuinely sick: calling the office before duties begin, sometimes at five in the morning; long-term sick people being forced into interviews. People can't be bullied into being well."