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Press Release

CWU slams Christmas tips 'over-reaction'

5 December 2011

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) today dismissed claims that postwomen and postmen risked "being bribed" by accepting Christmas tips from householders.

A brief cautionary note was posted on the My Royal Mail website informing postwomen and postmen of the official legal position around the issue following the introduction of the Bribery Act. This was widely reported in the press over the weekend, with the Mail on Sunday featuring the issue on its front page under the alarming headline: "Postmen told Christmas tips could mean jail".

Bob Gibson, CWU national officer for delivery workers, said: "This is quite an over-reaction - no-one's going to jail.

"Yes, Royal Mail has made a brief statement on the issue for legal reasons, but there's clearly no 'danger of bribery' as far as we're concerned. It would be virtually impossible for delivery workers to give any kind of 'preferential treatment' even if they wanted to.

"If no-one's written you a letter, there won't be any post for you and our members can't create post if there isn't any. However, under new legislation it is important that all workers understand that gifts over a certain amount need to be disclosed.

"Just in case any residents are concerned about the law - make sure your tip's no more than £29.99," he suggested.



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Communication Workers Union

Communication Workers Union

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