BT TECHNOLOGY – COVID-19
ALL BRANCHES WITH BT TECHNOLOGY MEMBERS
Dear Colleagues
TECHNOLOGY – COVID-19
Since the outbreak of Covid-19 the CWU, both nationally and locally have been working with Technology to ensure that you are kept as safe as possible during this public health emergency. Things are developing very quickly but the current situation in Technology is set out below.
Social Distancing
Social distancing in line with Government guidelines is not optional. It should be happening at all times both for your health and the health of others and applies in all working environments. It includes all work areas of the Telephone Exchanges, lift, canteens, stairwells and walkways including construction projects.
Technology has assured the CWU that they are strictly adhering to the Government guidelines on social distancing and have instructed all engineers to move to singleton working and where people have to work together they need to maintain a 2 metre distance from each other.
If it is not happening, then speak to your Line Manager or CWU rep as soon as possible.
Technology has informed the CWU that all contractors have been formally written to, regarding the enhanced approach and that any contractors that are found not to be adhering to social distancing will be asked to leave site immediately. Any CWU member finding a contractor not adhering to these rules should report to their line manager.
Essential Work
While the Government has designated telecoms workers as key workers and essential staff, that does not mean that everything that Technology normally does is essential.
We have been discussing with Technology the need to cease all non-essential work and our view is that Technology should be totally focusing on critical high profile work, such as 999 related work and critical Health & Safety work, as well as ensuring that the network can maintain service particularly to the NHS, Government, Police and Military. Other activities should be scaled back or ceased.
We have been in discussion with field engineering over the attendance arrangements as they have informed us that there is a need to offer more flexibility in order to accommodate engineers and ensure that the network is maintained. They have specifically asked to look at the nightshifts. This will vary from region to region depending at what stage Covid-19 is as well as practical and logistical issues.
We will consult with you wherever possible on any proposed changes.
Vulnerable People and those living with the Vulnerable
If you are one of the 1.8 million extremely vulnerable people that the Government has written to, then you should either be working from home and or on paid Special Leave. BT is right to take this approach.
However, Government guidance does not make special provision about work for those who have other underlying health conditions, or anyone living with an ‘extremely vulnerable’ person.
BT is applying the Government guidelines. As a result, it believes that, with the exception of the 1.8 million extremely vulnerable, everyone else who cannot work from home and does not have Covid 19 symptoms or is self-isolating should come to work and take extra care to follow social distancing and hand washing guidance.
In field engineering where there are cases where you are living in a house with an ‘extremely vulnerable’ person you should speak to your manager and discuss your personal circumstances and see whether you can work from home or options in relation to your attendance patterns.
The CWU is urging BT to agree that anyone living with one of the 1.8 million should be offered homeworking or not be required to come to work.
Homeworking
BT says that homeworking should be used wherever possible. Most functions in Technology have moved to home working and we believe that the business has done everything they can to accommodate this.
If you believe you should be working from home, then you need to discuss this with your manager and raise with your CWU representative.
Cleaning
The CWU has been informed by Technology that there are sufficient hand sanitiser supplies available for all field engineering staff as they have distributed a considerable amount of sanitiser to the regions. Engineers should ensure that they have hand sanitiser or soap with them when not working in the TE’s, and authority have been given for engineers to buy soap/sanitiser and reclaim if not available. Where protective gloves need to be work we are, also assured there are adequate supplies.
If any facilities are not found to be adequate a report should be made via the facilities help desk, you can also speak to your CWU representative.
Pregnancy
The CWU has ensured that all pregnant staff have been advised that they need to either work from home, or not go into work at all.
Childcare
If there is no other option available, then BT will rightly be providing paid special leave for childcare.
Contact the CWU
The Union remains here to keep you safe and assist you through this difficult time. If you have concerns or need assistance if at all possible, please contact your local rep or Branch. If you don’t know which Branch you are in you can find out via www.cwu.org/contact-us.
Alternatively, you can email covid19-tfs@cwu.org – however, please be aware that that there will probably be a delay in responding as our resources are also depleted.
The CWU would like to thank you for all the work you are doing during these extraordinary difficult times we want you to know that we are here to help.
Keep Safe
Sally Bridge
CWU National Officer