LTB 630/16 – Royal Mail Launch Smartphone and Technology Schemes

No. 630/16

25th October 2016

Dear Colleagues,

Royal Mail Launch Smartphone and Technology Schemes

Attached for your information is a copy of a letter from the business to be sent to all Royal Mail employees relating to the launch of two new products as part of My Bundle – the company’s flexible benefits package launched earlier this year.

From 1 November 2016, Royal Mail plan to trial two new products to be provided by Let’s Connect:

  • Smartphone – a choice of Apple or Android phones for colleagues who are not in receipt of a company provided mobile phone; and
  • Technology – a choice of laptops and tablets from various brands.

The company say that My Bundle products are designed to save colleagues income tax (where possible) and National Insurance (without affecting other Royal Mail benefits) and will not affect employees’ pensionable pay, overtime or bonus.

Royal Mail’s letter, which is due to land with employees on 26th October, sets out how the two products will work and how employees can choose the new benefits, together with a list of Frequently Asked Questions and a contact Helpline number.

However, CWU members should be clear that My Bundle and the products associated with it are a Royal Mail initiative and the union has had no involvement in their design or implementation. Whether colleagues choose to take up any of these flexible benefits is ultimately a matter for each individual employee but the union would advise initial caution with My Bundle products – in terms of relying too much on the employer. There may also be issues about My Bundle benefits in relation to employees who might lose their job, cut their hours or are made redundant.

From a union perspective, the Bundle that means most to our members is their job, pay and pensions and it is those that we need to focus on and maintain going forward.

Any enquiries relating to this issue should be addressed to the DGSP Department.

Yours sincerely

Terry Pullinger

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)