Emergency Exemption for Covid-19

Our Ref: HSR/1/3
Head Office Circular: NP/315/21
20th August 2021
To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL SHIPPING BRANCHES
REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague,

EMERGENCY EXEMPTION FOR COVID-19

Further to Head Officer Circular NP/263/21, dated 23rd July 2021, following receipt of reports from the Lead Officer, at its meeting on 19th August, 2021, your National Executive Committee noted and adopted the following report from its Health and Safety Sub-committee:

We note the reports from the Lead Officer.

The General Secretary is instructed to write to Network Rail confirming that that all Covid-19 control measures pre-16th August 2021 remain in place until the end of month when there will be further national discussion and a review of the risk assessments.

We note that the company states that “from 16th August, if you have been fully vaccinated you will be exempt from the requirement to self-isolate if you are in contact with a positive case. You will instead be advised to take a PCR test as soon as possible.”

No one should be forced to go back to work if they are in genuine fear for the health consequences to themselves, members of their household, or work colleagues.

This Union is totally opposed to the draconian disciplinary measures proposed by Network Rail for those who choose to self-isolate having been doubly-vaccinated.

Therefore, the General Secretary is instructed to arrange an urgent meeting with the company.

Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.

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

Yours sincerely

Michael Lynch
General Secretary