No exception to minimum wage
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• All transport operators will have to comply with the national minimum wage law which is likely to be introduced next year.
Unlike the EU Working Time Directive, there will be no exemptions from the Minimum Wage Bill. "The minimum wage is not only about justice it is also economically sensible," says Margaret Beckett, President of the Board of Trade. "We cannot and should not compete on low cost alone; we must also compete on quality."
Following consultation with industry, the Low Pay Commission is due to recommend a minimum pay figure to the Government next May.
The Transport and General Workers Union, which represents 120,000 drivers, will be lobbying for a minimum rate of £4.42 an hour.
According to figures agreed by the eight surviving Joint Industrial Councils, run jointly by hauliers and unions, nonLGV drivers are earning around £4 an hour while artic drivers are earning an average £4.37.
The Road Haulage Association says the bill will have little effect on wages paid in the industry. "Many drivers are currently earning wages above the level at which it is likely to be set," says a spokesman.
D The Low Pay Unit has called for a figure of £4.61, saying that anything less would make a minimum wage pointless.