Unions issue guidance on anthrax threat

Unions have responded to the anthrax scare in the USA by providing guidance for members and reviewing procedures for dealing with suspect mail. The CWU postal workers' union and the public services unions PCS and UNISON have all issued guidance. They are trying to reassure their members by confirming that there have been no incidents of deliberate release of anthrax in the UK. They are, however, keen to ensure that appropriate procedures are in place to deal with any suspect mail or other threats.

Information on anthrax is available on the government's news co-ordination centre website at www.co-ordination.gov.uk/anthrax.htm. Guidance on Chemical/biological threats by post can be found at www.co-ordination.gov.uk/package2.htm and Guidance on measures to take if a suspect chemical or biological package is found or if a device goes off can be found at www.co-ordination.gov.uk/package1.htm.