LTB 340/24 RMG/CWU Business Recovery, Transformation & Growth Agreement Appendix 1 Seasonal Variation - Updated FAQ
No. 340/24
Dear Colleagues,
RMG/CWU Business Recovery, Transformation & Growth Agreement Appendix 1 Seasonal Variation – Updated FAQs
Branches and Representatives will recall LTB 213/23 (Letter To Branches) concerning the commitments against Appendix 1 – Seasonal Variation of the BRT&G (Business Recovery, Transformation & Growth) Agreement, as well as the joint FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document linked to its national rollout.
Since then, we have continued to review the application of Seasonal Variation with Royal Mail and as part of this, we have further agreed on the need to review and refresh this FAQ document.
Accordingly, please find attached a revised FAQs document, the bulk of which reflects former listed Questions and Answers issued in LTB 213/23.
However, to assist, listed below are the key changes now set out in this updated version:
Q&A 7: This confirms more local flexibility to move duties ‘out of scope’ from Seasonal Variation.
Q&A 7/9: This confirms that new requests by individuals to be exempted from Seasonal Variation now need to be made via a Flexible Working application.
Q&A 16: Confirms the application of Seasonal Variation against Network Window changes.
Q&A 18: Updated confirmation of the application of Seasonal Variation against Annual Leave.
Q&A 19: Updated confirmation of the application of Seasonal Variation in terms of Sick Leave pay (in line with the Joint Statement, section 6.4.1 BRT&G Agreement on Sick Pay – set out in LTB 056/24, issued 6th February).
Q&A 25: Updates that a formal Hours Reconciliation process has been established for employees that leave part way through the Seasonal Variation cycle (i.e. the process to correct any imbalance in hours either owed to Royal Mail or the individual at the point of leaving).
Q&A 37: Updated confirmation of the application of Seasonal Variation in terms of Job Share arrangements and more local flexibility to move such duties ‘out of scope’ from Seasonal Variation.
Q&A 43: Confirms the application of Seasonal Variation will not impact Pension arrangements.
Q&A 44: Updated confirmation of the application of Seasonal Variation in terms of Bank Holiday arrangements.
Q&A 45: Confirms the application of Seasonal Variation in terms of individuals on Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave.
Q&A 46: Confirms the application of Seasonal Variation in terms of the Working Time Directive.
Q&A 47: Confirms the arrangements where an individual has been incorrectly recorded in PSP against Seasonal Variation.
Additionally, listed from 48 to 53 are several functional Q&As, which are designed to offer further clarification in terms of the local application of Seasonal Variation and we feel their inclusion within the FAQs will assist in this regard and with local level enquiries etc.
Finally, it can be confirmed that this FAQ document will also be issued by Royal Mail to operational managers via ‘signpost’ to ensure consistency of approach.
In relation to the application of Seasonal Variation for 2025/26 calendar year, we have requested that discussions take place with the business in line with the previous joint statements to review the lessons learned and agree the appropriate reference points. Further communications regarding this will be issued in due course.
Any enquiries to the content of this LTB should be directed to the Outdoor Department, email address: Pharacz@cwu.org.
Yours sincerely,
Tony Bouch
Assistant Secretary
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