Temporary workers’ safety at Royal Mail

The CWU communication workers’ union has demanded that Royal Mail takes temporary workers’ health and safety seriously in the run up to Christmas.

Last month Royal Mail announced it would recruit twice as many temporary workers this year. The CWU saw this as an illegal move to use temporary workers to undermine successful strike action.

Dave Joyce, CWU national safety officer, wrote to Royal Mail demanding that it ensures temporary workers get the same standards of safety protection as permanent staff. This includes receiving safety information and training before undertaking duties, getting the correct personal protective equipment, as well as carrying out suitable risk assessments.