Trade union Unite launched an attack on the organisation after Mike Sibley, Royal Mail's head of operations for its Heathrow Worldwide Distribution Centre (HWDC), was quoted in a national newspaper saying the firm had saved £300,000 in six months by implementing a check in/check out system to record staff absence patterns in order to change employee behaviour and then dismissing staff if absence persists.
Unite claims this approach prevents Royal Mail from exploring other factors in staff absence, such as health and safety and working conditions.
Paul Reuter, Unite's national officer, said: "This statement in the national press by one of the senior managers at HWDC highlights the draconian and dictatorial approach being adopted by Royal Mail.
"Royal Mail needs to get to the root of the problem and stop this short-term detrimental measure. After all, it is the people who make the profits and it is this foundation that will be paramount in ensuring its survival in a deregulated market."
However, a spokesman from Royal Mail said: "We do not recognise these claims at all. Like any responsible employer we have systems in place to manage staff absence and in extreme circumstances disciplinary action may be required. Our experience tells us that the vast majority of employees suffering illness or injury are eager to get back to work as soon as possible and they value the support we offer to help them do this."
The statement from Unite comes as Royal Mail launched a health and safety training roadshow to 34 depots.
Training to staff will be provided on board a mobile exhibition vehicle provided by Event Marketing Solutions. Training will feature live demonstrations, videos and interactive discussion sessions.
