official rules for shoes

[mattyj]

All the shoes cripple me in different ways. I'm a size 13 the doc Martins are so heavy. The magus give me shin splints, the yds totally cripple me can't bend the ball of my foot.
Iv heard that having rm shoes is optional, can't find any info I used to have a sheet that said it was optimal but it's went walkies....

[TrueBlueTerrier]

All the shoes cripple me in different ways. I'm a size 13 the doc Martins are so heavy. The magus give me shin splints, the yds totally cripple me can't bend the ball of my foot.
Iv heard that having rm shoes is optional, can't find any info I used to have a sheet that said it was optimal but it's went walkies....

Not they are not optional (but then the shoes are not opmital as you've found to your cost) as they form part of the Uniform (not PPE) so we should wear them unless there is a medical reason why not. Unless there has been a recent change all you need is a letter from your GP and then you can claim £30 per year towards buying your own. However, the shoes you buy should meet the same H&S requirements and certification as the Royal Mail ones.

[DB1100]

All the shoes cripple me in different ways. I'm a size 13 the doc Martins are so heavy. The magus give me shin splints, the yds totally cripple me can't bend the ball of my foot.
Iv heard that having rm shoes is optional, can't find any info I used to have a sheet that said it was optimal but it's went walkies....

If you have any foot problems the best way about it is to go sick and get an appointment with your GP,they will usually refer you to a podiatrist (foot doctor) at your local hospital,when you go to see them wear your RM footwear and explain that they make your situation worse,they usually then write you a letter to enable you to wear your own footwear,if OH assist get involved they didn't require a letter I just told them what the foot doctor said and they emailed a note to my DOM that I should be allowed to wear my own footwear,you are then allowed up to £30.00to buy your own,hope this helps,it worked for me and I get a new pair every 3 or 4 months.

[Mezza]

TBT has said it's £30 per year and DB1100 has mentioned getting a new pair every 3-4 months.

Is it defo £30 a year or can you put in a claim each time you need a new pair.
i wa sunder the impression it might have been twice a year as per RM issued footwear allowance, can anyone clarify please?

[DB1100]

TBT has said it's £30 per year and DB1100 has mentioned getting a new pair every 3-4 months.

Is it defo £30 a year or can you put in a claim each time you need a new pair.
i wa sunder the impression it might have been twice a year as per RM issued footwear allowance, can anyone clarify please?

I've had 2 pairs this year,I get them from Amazon,print the email from amazon take it to the DOM and I get me money within a fortnight,it comes on a seperate pay slip,I used to have more than 2 pairs of issue footwear a year.I've just checked and I had 1 pair start of FEB and another pair middle of MAY.I always show the DOM my worn out shoes so there's no argument.

[Mezza]

Cheers, thanks for the info.

[DB1100]

Just an update on this,I have just got my 3rd pair this year with no problems.

[POSTMAN]

Cheers DB,bookmarked thread for future reference.

[DB1100]

No problem,glad to help,I always show the DOM my worn out one's to prove it tho.

[Mezza]

Just a thought.....

If RM issue footwear forms a part of our PPE, then surely our own footwear (with doctors note etc) does not.

What would be the implications if you had a slip/trip whatever in your own footwear (covered by docs note), would you be covered or not?

[DB1100]

Just a thought.....

If RM issue footwear forms a part of our PPE, then surely our own footwear (with doctors note etc) does not.

What would be the implications if you had a slip/trip whatever in your own footwear (covered by docs note), would you be covered or not?

Footwear for an OPG isn't classed as PPE unless specialist footwear has been issued i.e steel toe caps,it is just uniform and come under those reg's,I choose black one's that look very similar to RM issue rubbish.

[Mezza]

OK, let's put it another way then....

If you have an accident at work with RM issued footwear - then your ok.
Does the same apply if your wearing your own brought footwear, covered with a doctors note?

[DB1100]

OK, let's put it another way then....

If you have an accident at work with RM issued footwear - then your ok.
Does the same apply if your wearing your own brought footwear, covered with a doctors note?

I don't know for definate,but I can't see why not,on the other hand wearing RM issue footwear isn't a get out of jail free card,they could always try and pin negligence on you.If I did have an accident in my own footwear I would argue the fact that the DOM has seen my footwear and deemed it ok.

[monkeyhanger1]

The official rules for footwear in royal mail vary by each office.You are allowed 2 pairs a year worth £30,or more if you pay the difference,some offices will allow you to go out and buy shoes,whereas some will require a doctor's note.

[Burghboy]

I had an knee op in the summer so wore trainers for the best part of 9 months pre and post op they cost me £37. Still have them got a new pair of Yds and they take about 2 weeks to break in 2 weeks later the soles worn out. Seen my Lino about a new pair and he said can't order as they need to last 6 months.. The Royal Mail foot wear really is sub standard