Carrying out of Non-Essential Duties when the Omicron Variant is Present

Our Ref: HSR/1/3

Head Office Circular: NP/482/21

24^th December 2021

To: The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES

REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Dear Colleague,

 

CARRYING OUT OF NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES WHEN THE OMICRON VARIANT IS PREVALENT

 

Your National Executive Committee met on 23^rd December to discuss a report on the above and agreed as follows:

 

That we note the report from the lead officer and instruct the General Secretary to take this issue up in line with his request

 

All effected members to be advised.

 

I have today written to all TOCs as follows:

 

I am concerned that non-essential duties, including revenue collection, are still being undertaken across the Train Operating Companies. The spread of Omicron is faster than any previous Covid-19 variant; a number of passengers are still not wearing face coverings when in stations or on trains, placing my members at increased risk of infection.

 

I am therefore writing to all TOCs demanding that such duties cease until such a time as the Omicron variant is under control.

 

I will keep members advised of any developments.

 

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of relevant members.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary