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THE INDUSTRY VIEW
Page 28
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Bob Russet from Palletline says: "I am relieved that the government has decided upon a 10hour, rather than eight, night-time restriction — eight hours would have crippled our end of the industry [palletised distribution]. We will be able to cope with 10 hours if we sort out delays at regional distribution centres. Most of our day work is localised distribution. The WTD will mean that we will have to plan tighter schedules than we do currently. There are two ways that most companies will have to cope with these changes: carry on as they are giving every driver every fifth week oft or change their working practices, which will require more drivers. Morally, the industry often requires drivers to work too long for little reward. The WTD could help improve working conditions and make the job more attractive."
Hilary Devey from Pall-Ex says: The impact of the Working Time Directive is not as bad as we first thought. If we can prove that when a haulier is waiting at the hub he is not on duty then this can be taken from his working time. The ramifications of the WTD will still be high but we are well positioned to cope with this; even those hauliers with multi-depot sites will struggle and need to be part of a pallet network. We are going to hold a number of workshops with our members to look at ways we can pull resources, such as drivers and trailers, together.
Barry Cannell from Cannel! Transport says: -The WTD will finish the haulage industry — the rates are already so low. Road transport is no longer a job but a prison sentence. Why do you think Eddie Stobart has sold up?
Dean Cholmondley from Extol Transport says: "The WTD will have a great effect on drivers in that they will now only he able to carry out a four-day week. Many normally rely on overtime to make their hours up but under the Directive they will be forced to job-share.