LTB 098/2021 – Stormproof/Weatherproof Jacket Stock Shortages (PPE) – Alternative Short-Term Temporary Replacements:
No. 098/2021
11 March 2021
Our Ref: C11/21
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
Stormproof/Weatherproof Jacket Stock Shortages (PPE) – Alternative Short-Term Temporary Replacements:
Royal Mail has informed us that they and their suppliers are currently experiencing stock shortages of both the ‘Orange’ and ‘Yellow’ Weatherproof/Stormproof jackets.
Currently a number of UK businesses involved in international trade are incurring customs and port authority delays, in the wake of ‘Brexit’ with the new customs system causing disruption to the flow of goods which are now subject to a greater degree of checks, entry declarations and paperwork presentation to relevant trade and port health bodies within a more complex and intricate set of rules. Some of Royal Mail’s international suppliers have not yet got to grips with this.
Taking account of the supply issues and the need to be PPE legally and regulatory compliant, Royal Mail has secured an ‘interim’ supply of very similar industry standard, ‘orange’ version (for delivery staff) and ‘yellow’ version (for MC, RDC staff, logistics, drivers and loaders etc.,) ‘High Visibility Waterproof Jacket’ garments as a temporary ‘stop-gap’ replacement to meet current demand and outstanding orders of these waterproof, weatherproof, stormproof jackets.
Supplier ‘Dimensions’ has sourced alternative off-the-shelf orange (OTS manufactured) and yellow (Oxford Weave manufactured) waterproof/stormproof jackets (see attached) which are CE certified to Class 3.
There are already circa 650 outstanding back orders for jackets with delivery of the Royal Mail branded jackets not now expected until the end of this month.
The alternative jackets will allow Royal Mail to stock these in the warehouse by the end of the week and fulfil all back orders shortly thereafter.
These garments will come without Royal Mail branding.
Any Management Only enquiries can be directed to Sam Dixon National Uniform Manager: sam.dixon@royalmail.com Mobile: 07553 365925.
Royal Mail and ‘Pertemps’ the suppliers have assured us that every effort is being made to iron out the problems with international suppliers going forward.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
21LTB098 Stormproof Weatherproof Jacket Stock Shortages (PPE) – Alternative