Donald Brydon, Chairman of Royal Mail Group, has announced the launch of an independent inquiry to be led by Sir Gordon Langley into the prevalence and consequences of attacks by dogs on postal workers in the UK, with the objective of making recommendations to address them.

There are between three and a half thousand and four thousand dog attacks on Royal Mail employees each year, resulting in injuries - many severe, - and considerable trauma. 

Despite significant organisational effort to control employee exposure, and an outstanding and ongoing campaign - Bite Back, led by the CWU - the number of attacks remains unacceptably high. The inquiry will look more widely than just at primary legislation and therefore will look beyond current proposed amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The inquiry will:

• seek to ascertain why so many employees are subject to dog attacks whilst delivering mail,
• consider the background and human consequences of continuing dog attacks on postmen and postwomen,
• consider existing relevant laws and regulations and the extent to which they are adequate and  enforced,
• consider any relevant actions taken by other employers in the UK or elsewhere, and
• make recommendations with a view to achieving a reduction in attacks.