ADVICE FOR NEW POSTIES

PoStIeInThEmAkInG · Post by **PoStIeInThEmAkInG** » 18 May 2016, 12:56

Hi. Good advice so far.

I'm a new starter in Kent and have a summer and winter (December) holiday already booked. I've heard that all leave is usually refused in December but should RM honour holidays that I've already booked prior to joining them? I know one it mentions that they would be honoured in the welcome information but what's the reality that others have experienced?

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 18 May 2016, 13:32

PoStIeInThEmAkInG wrote:Hi. Good advice so far.

I'm a new starter in Kent and have a summer and winter (December) holiday already booked. I've heard that all leave is usually refused in December but should RM honour holidays that I've already booked prior to joining them? I know one it mentions that they would be honoured in the welcome information but what's the reality that others have experienced?

They usually honour the ones throughout the year no problems at all. However, as you say for December there is a usually a leave ban in place so I would alert your manager as soon as possible. They may try to pressure you into changing it, and they may raise issues with the Christmas Bonus £100 (39 hours pro rata) (+£100 other also pro-rata) so check them as well.

Alex01259 · Post by **Alex01259** » 18 May 2016, 18:49

Hi,

I'm due to start soon and I'm wondering if your allowed to wear your own hat? for example , I have a black berghaus gore tex cap for the heavy rain and I'm wondering if I'll be allowed to wear that because it isn't part of the official uniform

Also what about shoes can you wear your own as ive read the standard issue ones are uncomfortable

Thanks

ChoZanWan · Post by **ChoZanWan** » 19 May 2016, 14:45

Hat wise you should be OK, I'd assume as long as there are no massive logos?

Shoes are a bit different, and I'd check with your manager as it could be classed as the wrong safety equipment. If anything were to happen they could blame the lack of 'official' footwear?

t3mcIUQWE2 · Post by **t3mcIUQWE2** » 20 May 2016, 19:16

General footwear isn't safety equipment.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 21 May 2016, 14:11

t3mcIUQWE2 wrote:General footwear isn't safety equipment.

A lesson Royal Mail need to learn according to the HSE. http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... 28&t=74742" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

cpsteve · Post by **cpsteve** » 25 May 2016, 16:48

Take your breaks. Do not rush your prep you will get faster after a few weeks. If in doubt ask your coach or manager. The job can be stressful if you clock watch so try not to make any plans to close to your finish time.

Post by **POSTWOMAN** » 22 Jun 2016, 11:06

1.Do not run or rush too much on your walk as you may injure yourself.If you are new you may be slow and book overtime accordingly. Don't feel guilty that you were slow because its OK as you are new.

2.Once you are on the walk you will gain normal speed same as others.As far as I know its 3 minutes for a close ( a building with 3 floors and 2 flats on each floor.

3.When a customer asks something then listen to them attentively and answer them carefully instead of rushing as you are losing time.

4.Finally make sure you get all overtime on your payslip. This week's overtime will appear on next week's payslip.

5.Finally if in doubt about your finish time always notify the manager before leaving the D.O that you want to finish on time & don't need any overtime.

6.Most important of all is health. Make sure your diet has protein, omega 3 & especially joint supplements etc as its physically demanding. Have proper breakfast and take food with low GI as it will make you feel fuller for longer.

7.Stressful dealings with managers can take its toll.Try to deal with them arguing for your rights and what's right.Also don't take shortcuts or apply cheats and do your work correctly so that you can look into the eyes of the managers and answer them with pride. For that you need be well equipped with knowledge. Search this website as its an excellent source for all information. Finally leave stress at work & don't let it spoil your mood at home.

super-postie · Post by **super-postie** » 28 Jun 2016, 19:45

Some good advice here. Can the cwu not get their own "starter pack" with all this good advice to enable new starts not to get completely walked all over in the first few months.

CHEESEPIZZA · Post by **CHEESEPIZZA** » 29 Jun 2016, 11:41

Consider joining one of the credit unions available. Ask your colleague's, union rep, or line manager for info. Each time you get a pay rise, if you can afford it, increase your contributions. I wish I joined when I started, as don't miss little amounts each week, and it soon builds up. That's how I afford my family's holiday every year now. Honestly, even if its just the minimum of few quid a week, you wont miss it, and wont regret it.

rick184 · Post by **rick184** » 16 Jul 2016, 09:29

CHEESEPIZZA wrote:Consider joining one of the credit unions available. Ask your colleague's, union rep, or line manager for info. Each time you get a pay rise, if you can afford it, increase your contributions. I wish I joined when I started, as don't miss little amounts each week, and it soon builds up. That's how I afford my family's holiday every year now. Honestly, even if its just the minimum of few quid a week, you wont miss it, and wont regret it.

Great advice Cheesie I've been in Commsave for years. It's an easy way to save and a better way to borrow. You can join online http://www.commsave.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

jennie-c · Post by **jennie-c** » 28 Jul 2016, 15:26

Hi all. Sorry for the silly question, but what does ADSO mean? I have been with Royal Mail for 7 weeks now and have been put on next week's rota for ADSO on Saturday?

Thankyou

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 28 Jul 2016, 17:22

jennie-c wrote:Hi all. Sorry for the silly question, but what does ADSO mean? I have been with Royal Mail for 7 weeks now and have been put on next week's rota for ADSO on Saturday?

Thankyou

As directed by supervising officer

jennie-c · Post by **jennie-c** » 28 Jul 2016, 22:17

TrueBlueTerrier wrote:
jennie-c wrote:Hi all. Sorry for the silly question, but what does ADSO mean? I have been with Royal Mail for 7 weeks now and have been put on next week's rota for ADSO on Saturday?

Thankyou
As directed by supervising officer

Thankyou for that, so I presume they will just pick a random duty that needs covering on the day then?

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 29 Jul 2016, 08:41

Probably