Q: What dates am I needed to support the peak operation?

A: All non-operational colleagues are being called to support frontline for up to five hours a day, for a minimum of six days across our peak period:

• Three days during Cyber Week (Monday 27 November – Sunday 3 December): Monday - Wednesday or Thursday – Saturday
• Three days across the last week before Christmas (Monday 18 December – Saturday 23 December): Monday - Wednesday or Thursday – Saturday

Anyone who can offer 10 days attendance on the frontline (including two Saturdays), will be allocated an additional three days annual leave* as well as your time off in lieu. So, for working two Saturdays (in the ten-day period) you get a whole week off!

Q: Saturdays are non-contractual for Managers, are we expected to work them?

A: Whilst Saturdays are not mandated, your support is greatly needed as Saturdays are our busiest days in the operation at Christmas. Last year we had several people in non-ops who wanted to work these days. To recognise the fact this is a non-working day for most, we have added an incentive of extra annual leave.
 

Q: Is there an expectation to work both Saturdays?

A: No, but anyone who can offer 10 days attendance on the frontline (including two Saturdays), will be allocated an additional three days annual leave* as well as your time off in lieu. So, for working two Saturdays (in the ten-day period) you get a whole week off!
 

Q: Who do we contact if we cannot support on our allocated days?

A: When you  are contacted about your shifts, you can let us know via RMComms@royalmail.com if you are unable to support on the given days and they will be reassigned. 

Q: How will the TOIL work?

A: The non-ops scheme provides time off in lieu for working a Saturday (five hours or more), as well as the incentive of additional annual leave. The number of hours worked will be captured via the QR code on display in the unit. This will then be collated by the Operational team and TOIL will be allocated.

Q: How will the extra annual leave work?

A: The non-ops scheme provides one day of annual leave for working a Saturday (three days if working two Saturdays as part of the 10 days in total). The number of hours worked will be captured via the QR code on display in the unit. This will then be collated by the Operational team and extra days annual leave will be allocated accordingly. 
 

Q: How will it work if I am currently on flexible working arrangements?

A: People’s flexible working arrangements will be accommodated. However, we really do need you so any support you can provide will be greatly appreciated. 

Q:  Can we pick which offices to work in?

A: No unfortunately not.  We will allocate you to a unit near you that needs support from non-ops Managers to maintain quality of service during our busiest time of the year. This is about putting our resources where they are needed most. Any change requests are to be made through RMComms@royalmail.com, they will be considered and then confirmed by email.
 

Q: Can we work in Mail Centres/Processing rather than Deliveries?

A: We will need to see where the operation needs support as we progress through the peak period. Initially you will be asked to support Delivery units that need it the most.

Q: Is this just for Managers or are CWU grades also included?

A: Primarily we are reaching out to Managers for their support, however if CWU grades (LAs) wish to volunteer we would love to have them!
 

Q: Which non-ops roles are exempt?

A: We need all the support we can get over this critical peak period.  As such, no one is automatically exempt unless their relevant Executive Board member has supplied their name as part of the exemption process. 
 

Q:  Are colleagues with carer responsibilities exempt from supporting?

A:  Any exemptions must be agreed by the relevant EB member, but of course personal circumstances will be taken into account.
 

Q:  When will the other exemptions be released?

A:  We will not be issuing a list of exemptions; all non-operational managers are expected to complete their shifts unless their EB member has specifically made them exempt. 
 

Q: Is it mandatory to complete the allocated shifts?

A: The peak period is our busiest time of year. We know that every single letter, parcel, and Christmas card is important and more so this year than any other.

To retain and win more customers we need to show that we are back to being our best. To ensure we provide the quality-of-service levels that people expect from Royal Mail, all non-operational managers are needed to support the operation this Christmas.

Any change requests are to be made through RMComms@royalmail.com.

Q:  Will there be any overtime opportunities?

A:  Yes, up to people on grade MS3, however working overtime would preclude any extra annual leave or time off in lieu if worked on Saturday. 
 

Q:  Is the peak We Are Christmas incentive scheme that is being run this year applicable to non-operational Managers – even pro rata?

A:  The scheme is for all grades up to level 6 that work in the COO structure. Anyone outside of this structure is not eligible.
 

When will we get further information on supporting frontline?

A: You can expect all relevant information on your allocated dates and site locations via email later in the coming days.

If you have any unanswered questions, please send an email to RMComms@royalmail.com.