I wish to advise you in respect of a number of issues relating to Uniforms/Workwear as follows:

1. General issue of Uniform/Workwear 2008
The Company has advised the Union of a delay with the distribution of this year's Uniform/ Workwear, due to difficulties associated with its suppliers. The Company has confirmed that the distribution of the first consignments will arrive at the Dublin Area in the week commencing 15th September, which will be followed immediately by consignments for the Offices in the Counties of Galway and Cork.
The Company has further advised that approx. 250 to 300 Uniform/Workwear Packs will be dispatched from the Distribution Centre each day and it is anticipated it will be completed by the last week of October. The Company has also confirmed that as part of this distribution it will include caps for staff who have requested them on the garment selection form. Cleaning tokens will also be included in the pack.

2. Redesign of Post Persons Uniform
The Company has agreed to issue an invitation to tender for the provision of the design of a new Post Persons Uniform, which will be based on the Union's input. The target date and launch for the distribution of the new Uniform is the third quarter of 2010.

3. Uniforms for New/Temporary Staff
The Union has for some time raised its concerns in respect of non provision or delays in issuing Uniforms to new/temporary staff. Apart altogether from the security and safety issues having staff on delivery without a uniform is impacting negatively on the Company's corporate image and detracting from the current efforts to improve this. The Union and Com¬pany at Joint Group level is committed to resolving this problem in the short term.
It is the Union's intention to pursue vigorously with the Company with regard to the above issues including addressing the difficulties with Rainwear. All of these items will be the subject of a monthly review, by the Executive and I will revert to you with an update on progress as early as possible. While the Union at National level, will deal with matters generally, Branches should document locally any individual issues with their Managers and refer, in accordance with procedures, any unresolved issues to Union Headquarters.