LTB 159/21 – JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION AND THE CWU ON THE 2021 NATIONAL RECRUITMENT EXERCISE OF LGV DRIVERS
No: 159/21
14th April 2021
For the Immediate Attention of All:
Postal Branches
Divisional Representatives
Area Distribution Representatives
Dear Colleagues
JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION AND THE CWU ON THE 2021 NATIONAL RECRUITMENT EXERCISE OF LGV DRIVERS
Branches and representatives will be aware that the Joint Statement between RM National Distribution and the CWU on the Deployment of the 2020/21 National Network Revision (LTB 115/21) contained the following commitment in relation to recruitment:
In line with the commitment in the Pathway to Change agreement both parties are committed to fast track discussions on the terms of a Driver Recruitment and development program to reduce reliance on external resource and restore agreed resourcing arrangements.
Discussions with the business have been taking place for some time in relation to maximising the opportunities for internal candidates to progress in future recruitment campaigns.
During previous campaigns it had become apparent while individuals may hold the required licence the lack of CPC at the time of application for vacancies was creating a barrier to progression, which is contrary to the terms of the 2018 National agreements on Resourcing LGV and MGV Recruitment and Future Resourcing Principles. We have therefore been seeking to establish a commitment from Royal Mail that they will provide the opportunity for individuals to complete their CPC where it is required.
To support those discussions colleagues will be aware that a survey has recently been undertaken by Royal Mail to establish what vocational (LGV) licences are held and CPC status (LTB 090/21 refers).
The survey was well received with over 760 responses. The results have provided insight as to how many individuals are looking to develop their driving career and are ready to apply now, or still need to complete their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) to get their DQC.
Discussions have therefore continued with the business on options available to provide support and training to the affected individuals, to enable them to apply for upcoming vacancies and allow them opportunity to progress where they wish to do so. It has now been agreed that Royal Mail will provide an online CPC training course utilising Advance Driver Coaches, for those individuals who hold the required licence but no CPC. The details are being finalised with the business in relation to the course at present and will be communicated when available. We can inform you however that the CPC training will be provided free of charge to individuals who wish to voluntarily participate but they will have to attend in their own time, release will not be given.
In advance of the courses taking place there will still however be a requirement to advertise vacancies in line with the Network Review activity. In this regard it has been agreed to recruit c464 drivers across two campaigns/waves at 29 VOC’s. Selection for all vacancies will be in line with the Nationally agreed process.
Adverts for Wave 1 are planned to go live on the 14th April 2021 inviting applications from internal candidates holding both an LGV (C+E) licence and valid DCPC (272 vacancies). Wave 2 adverts (c192 vacancies) will be released on the 14th June 2021, which will enable time for those individuals who wish to take the CPC course to do so. It should be noted that Wave 2 recruitment numbers may be flexed based on future workload volumes and this will be agreed with the CWU prior to the recruitment campaign commencing.
A Joint Statement in respect of the recruitment activity has been concluded and is attached for your information.
The department believes that the Joint Statement outlines a positive position in relation to commitments that have been obtained from the business in respect of maximising internal recruitment opportunities.
Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 211.07
Yours sincerely
Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary
Attachment 1 – Joint Statement on LGV Driver National Recruitment 13.04.21