TUC events, Let's talk toilets!

Head Office Circular No: NP/041/25

                                    4^th March 2025

 

 

To: The Secretary

All branches

Regional Councils

 

Dear colleague,

 

TUC EVENTS: LETS TALK TOILETS!

 

TUC have a couple of events coming up focusing on toilets. All workers need toilets, and toilet breaks - it's a basic right. But many are finding themselves without a toilet, too long between breaks, or unhygienic or faulty facilities when they do use one.

 

Given that provision of adequate toilet facities continues to be a problem for many RMT members I write to encourage you/your branch representatives to take part in the following events:

 

1. TUC UNION REPS WEBINAR: LET’S TALK TOILETS!

Wednesday 12th March 2025 - 14:00 to 15:00

https://www.tuc.org.uk/events/unionreps-webinar-lets-talk-toilets

 

The seminar will include:

What do you do when your members are struggling to use a toilet during the working day?
Not enough toilet breaks, or the facilities are dirty or broken?
Should employers be providing sanitary items?

What are our rights when it comes to toilets at work, and how can we organise for better toilet dignity?

Speakers include Shelly Asquith, TUC Health and Safety Policy Officer

 

2. TUC WORKPLACE TOILET FACIILITIES INSPECTIONS WEEK 17 –  23 March 2025

https://www.tuc.org.uk/events/workplace-toilet-facilities-inspections-week

 

When reps sign up above to take part, the TUC will them all the info they need, including a checklist. If they carry out an inspection and tell the TUC about it, they will receive TUC Education credentials that recognises what they’ve done. 

 

If your branch/regional council decide to campaign for improved toilet facilities in the area you represent, I can recommend the following resources:

RSSB web site “Provision of Welfare Facilities for Rail Workers”

https://www.rssb.co.uk/what-we-do/key-industry-topics/health-and-wellbeing/healthy-cultures/provision-of-welfare-facilities-for-rail-workers

ITF resource, “Sanitation Rights are Human Rights, Activist Toolkit”: https://sanitation.itfglobal.org/?utm_source=Socials&utm_medium=posts&utm_campaign=sharesanitationtoolkitpost

Also, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that under Safety Reps and Safety Committee Regulations https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/BrownBook2015.pdf

Safety Reps have rights to:

Inspect the workplace regularly Reg 4 (1) (e); 5(1)(2); 6(1)

Investigate accidents, dangerous occurrences and potential hazards Reg 4 (1) (b); 6 (1) (2); and substantial changes in working conditions Reg 5 (2).

Investigate employee occupational h&s complaints Reg 4(1)(b)

Represent employees on occupational h&s/welfare matters Reg 4(1) (c) (d)

Paid time off to exercise these rights & attend training Reg 4(2) Sch.2

 

Employers must:

Consult safety representatives about workplace h&s matters

Set up joint h&s committee within 3 months of being requested to do so by two safety reps.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary