MS CALLS ON ROYAL MAIL TO ‘OBSERVE WELSH LAW’

Mick Antoniw, Member of Senedd for Pontypridd has called on Royal Mail to adhere to Welsh law, in respect of its plan to introduce multi-occupancy vehicles at its Pontyclun and other depots.

A Q&A document in respect of new policy has been provided to postal workers in Pontyclun and other depots, in which Royal Mail state:

Q. Do we need to take any different approaches to the Public Health England advice in [Scotland / Wales / Northern Ireland]?

A. No, we will continue to be led by the Government and Public Health England.

Mick Antoniw said:

“I am very surprised that Royal Mail is apparently unaware that in Wales it is Welsh law and the guidance of Public Health Wales that applies.

“Welsh law requires social distancing in the workplace and where this is not possible, for adequate PPE to be provided. In any case, as vehicles have been operating without multi-occupancy to date, this change is completely unnecessary.

“It is wholly wrong that Royal Mail would make such a significant operational change at what is absolutely the worst time and which puts the health of these key workers at risk.

“This appears to be a clear breach of Welsh law and of the standards that we should expect from a major national employer such as Royal Mail.

“I’m calling on Royal Mail to do two things. Firstly, they should withdraw this proposal until we are through this pandemic and secondly, it would be appropriate for Royal Mail to review it compliance with the regulations and guidance as it implies in Wales.”