NETWORK RAIL: WORK INSTRUCTION - COVID-19 CONTINGENCY PLAN: SAFE WORKING PRACTICES

Head Office Circular NP/316/20

Our Ref: HSR/1/3

23^rd December 2020

The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES

ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Dear Colleague

 

NETWORK RAIL: WORK INSTRUCTION -  COVID-19 CONTINGENCY PLAN:

SAFE WORKING PRACTICES

 

Discussions have been ongoing with the company regarding Covi-19 Contingency Plan and in particular around what happens to workers once jobs have been completed. There is a proposal from the company that when work is complete or where an employee is not required for the work activity, the company will find something for them to do at training centres. Not only does this place them at additional risk, it also puts those at the training centres at risk.

 

A report into this matter has been considered by your National Executive Committee who have noted and adopted the following report of their Health and Safety Sub-committee:

 

We note the reports and correspondence on file and that our representatives believe that the company are once again putting business ahead of safety. It beggars belief that, at a time of national lockdown, when workers are being encouraged to work from home unless absolutely necessary, management seem hell bent on placing our members’ health at risk by these reckless proposals.

 

General Secretary is instructed to write to the company re-enforcing the concerns of our representatives in this regard.

 

Branches and Regional Councils be advised.

 

I am acting in accordance with these instructions. Please bring the contents of this Circular to the attention of relevant members.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Mick Cash

General Secretary