Drivers in demand
Page 13
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• A shortage of temporary drivers in the Black Country and the South-East has forced two agencies to advertise vacancies nationwide.
The Best Connection, based in Walsall and Birmingham, is looking for LGV Class I and III drivers for delivering confectionery until Christmas and possibly Faster.
The work involves trunking days and nights: rates start at £5 an hour for a minimum eight-hour day with overtime at £7.50 per hour. There are also vacancies in the car, drinks and supermarket sectors.
Stuart White, operations manager at Walsall-based The Best Connection, says: "Although we are now dipping out of a recession, employers are still frightened to take on full-timers. It's much easier for them to take on temporary staff and just say bye-bye if the contract finishes." Wendy Barrett, driving brand manager at Reed Drivers, is looking for Hiab and experienced light van multi-drop drivers in the Wimbledon, Wembley, Oxford and Ilford areas. But her company is always happy to hear from drivers of all classes of vehicles.
"Our rates are increasing at the moment because clients are willing to pay more to get drivers," says Barrett. "We are really concentrating on making our clients aware that these are not blue-collar workers—they are fully trained, certificated people who are the bread and butter of this country."
0 Contact Reed Drivers on: Wimbledon, 081-947 7122; Wembley, 081-903 0151; Oxford, (0865) 792772; and Ilford, 081553 0795.
Contact The Best Connection on: Walsall, (0922) 39000; and Birmingham, 021-628 8000.