Pilot jobs in United Kingdom

ROYAL MAIL: DRUGS & ALCOHOL – FOR-CAUSE TESTING PILOT EXTENSION

Further to LTB 001/25 dated 2nd January, there have been no For-Cause tests in the first five weeks amongst the Pilot Group, which is limited to Drivers only in Wales. As expected, due to the lack of data for analysis, the extension to the geographical areas of the Pilot has been proposed and agreed by the Postal Executive to include two new ROD areas – Anglia & the South West, along with the English workplaces in the Wales ROD area (Chester, Shrewsbury & The Wirral).

In line with established Postal Executive policy, the extension will apply to Drivers only. The extended Pilot will run from Monday 11th March until Friday 2nd May (for Wales this will take the Pilot to 16 weeks in total). The extended Pilot, in keeping with the Terms of Reference for Wales, does not include Drivers in Parcelforce.

The ToR previously agreed for Wales (attached) will be extended to include the Anglia and South West ROD areas. In practice this means the full terms are applicable to the extended Pilot. Crucially, there will be no disciplinary action arising from positive tests during the Pilot, provided members in these circumstances agree to participate in the new Support and Rehabilitation programme. There are two caveats: a positive drug/alcohol test on the roadside following an accident/incident where the police are involved, or an individual being found in possession of illegal drugs in the workplace.

Briefings for Anglia and South West Representatives

We will be holding two briefings for our Divisional Reps, Branch Secretaries, Area Reps and Area Safety Reps in Anglia and the South West ROD Areas as follows:

• South West
• Friday 28th February – 11.30am – 2.30pm
  The Engine Shed, Brunel’s Boardroom and Breakout Room, Station Approach, Temple Meads, Bristol, BS1 6QH
• Monday 3rd March – 11.30am – 2.30pm
  M.G Hall

Note: We will be running through the full details of the ToR for the extended Pilot and the protections and safeguards in the ToR and the Colleague Framework document. There will be an opportunity for a Q&A session at the briefings.

Andy Furey, Assistant Secretary, continues to lead on this matter, supported by Rob Wotherspoon, Postal Executive member, Ralph Ferrett (South Wales) and Paul Dugdale (North Wales). One of our Anglia Div Reps will also take on a similar supporting role. We meet with Royal Mail management on a weekly basis, and this activity will be ongoing.

The Postal Executive will also be closely monitoring the Pilot and all Branches will be kept informed of any key developments as the extended Pilot progresses.

Note on Extensions

ROYAL MAIL: DRUGS & ALCOHOL – FOR-CAUSE TESTING PILOT and subsequent extensions related to LTBs 078/25 dated 16th April, 001/25 dated 2nd January, and 035/25 dated 19th February are referenced in communications to Branches. The continued extension applies to drivers only and excludes Parcelforce, with Terms of Reference and protections maintaining member safeguards.

Further documentation The Drugs & Alcohol For-Cause Testing Pilot for Drivers in Wales, including Support & Rehabilitation Services, has been discussed and endorsed by the Postal Executive, as summarized in previous notices (e.g., LTB 343/24 dated 25th October). The Executive has considered these matters and endorsed related documents and agreements.