CWU slams Christmas tips ‘over-reaction’
5th December 2011
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) today dismissed claims that
postwomen and postmen risked "being bribed" by accepting
Christmas tips from householders.
A brief cautionary note was posted on the My Royal Mail website
informing postwomen and postmen of the official legal position
around the issue following the introduction of the Bribery Act.
This was widely reported in the press over the weekend, with the
Mail on Sunday featuring the issue on its front page under the
alarming headline: "Postmen told Christmas tips could mean
jail".
Bob Gibson, CWU national officer for
delivery workers, said: "This is quite an over-reaction -
no-one's going to jail.
"Yes, Royal Mail has made a brief statement on the issue for
legal reasons, but there's clearly no 'danger of
bribery' as far as we're concerned. It would be virtually
impossible for delivery workers to give any kind of
'preferential treatment' even if they wanted to.
"If no-one's written you a letter, there won't be any
post for you and our members can't create post if there
isn't any. However, under new legislation it is important that
all workers understand that gifts over a certain amount need to be
disclosed.
"Just in case any residents are concerned about the law - make
sure your tip's no more than £29.99," he suggested.
