PV0A 'surprised' by levy reports
Page 15
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• "The tail must not be allowed to wag the dog—and that seems to be the case here." This was the comment by Mr. Arthur Lainson, chairman of the Passenger Vehicle Operators Association, following last week's announcement of an increased levy by the Road Transport Industry Training Board.
Mr. Lainson continued: "The first we heard of this increase was the announcement in the trade press and we are surprised that the Board did not advise us of the proposal at least at the same time as the press. Two issues arise from the announcement: the increase in the levy and the failure to make any move towards a differential, relating the levy to varying training requirements.
"Mr. Gunter, when Minister of Labour, clearly told the Board that he expected 'their proposals for the second levy/grant period to be based on a study of the different training needs and costs of the different sectors of the industry'. We shall ask his successor, and the Board, co what extent this has been done, because the proposal is causing great resentment among our members."
He concluded: "The apparent lack of appreciation of, particularly, the small operator's requirements is a cause of real, concern. The Board must get matters into perspective. Training must be based on need and not presented as merely an expedient to obtain a grant. The industry is looking for sensible economy in the spending of its money, reflected in the levy which it pays."