Fine threat for dismissal
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• Hauliers who fire their staff over health and safety disputes face fines of up to 00,000, warns a transport lawyer.
Ipswich lawyer Barker Gotelee says that drivers whose dismissal is based on complaints over safety issues are likely to receive compensation regardless of how long they have worked for the haulier Solicitor Deborah
Cross says: "If an employee is dismissed for refusing to work more than his permitted hours, or because he continuously raises safety issues about vehicles, the haulier may be
deemed to have acted unfairly and a tribunal will automatically find in favour of the driver."
Cross cites a recent example where a driver complained that the rope used for securing loads was unsuitable. He walked out and won his claim.
Cross adds that the two years' service normally required before an employee can claim unfair dismissal has been reduced to one year.
Hauliers are invited tojoin a Health and Safety Executive project to set up a code of practice for sheeting procedures for non-tipper trucks. IM Contact: System Concepts an 020 7240331R