Free flu jab for Royal Mail & Parcelforce workers

Postal, Health & Safety September 3 2018

All Royal Mail and Parcelforce staff will be given vouchers this month for influenza vaccinations, after an agreement was reached between the union and the company.

The coupons, which will be sent out to employees via either direct mailings or as inserts in staff publications, can be redeemed at local branches of Lloyds Pharmacy, but must be produced with the individual’s Royal Mail Group ID card.

“Over 31,000 Royal Mail and Parcelforce workers were affected by the flu outbreak that hit the UK and this resulted in 127,000 days lost to the bug,” said CWU national health, safety and environment officer Dave Joyce, who added that this also had a detrimental effect on postal services in some areas.

In order to try to prevent a repetition, Newcastle Amal Branch brought a motion to this year’s annual conference instructing the union’s leadership toseek agreement with Royal Mail Group to ensure that the provision of flu jabs as early as possible prior to the onset of winter.

And this new agreement is a result of discussions arising from that resolution.

“We’re encouraging members to take up this offer and there will be a publicity campaign highlighting the free flu jab, with posters in workplaces and other communications,” Dave continued.

The vouchers for the free Flu jab will be sent to employee home addresses either by a direct mailing or as an insert in staff magazines, depending on which part of the RM Group individuals work in, he explained.

In a direct message to members, Dave said: “If you can, you should try to get your jabs done during September or October, before winter sets in.

“And please don’t forget to take your Royal Mail Group employee ID with you when you redeem your voucher”