HOLDING ON TO THE FAMILY SILVER
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IS Britain's haulage industry desperately
needs new recruits but it must also retain existing drivers. This fact has not been lost on employment specialist Manpower: in September it launched the Driving Power programme.
The idea is to attract experienced drivers; this will give hauliers access to the right people. It also allows drivers to brush up on their existing skills.
Denise Coult, Driving Power's general manager, says: "Today, transport companies are 24-hour, seven-days-a-week businesses. So is Driving Power. But with today's chronic skilled driver shortages, the real winners in tomorrow's world are going to be those firms which can attract and retain the best drivers, That's what we plan to do."
Under the Driving Power programme Manpower drivers are guaranteed a weekly income, so if work goes quiet the driver still has financial security. The initiative is working: 500 HGV drivers are currently on Manpower's books,
The recruitment process is radical. Rather than using traditional high-street locations, the as Driving Power recruit
ment centres are strategically located near major road junctions and in business parks around the UK. This makes perfect sense in attracting drivers who are out on the road.
A recruitment trailer is currently making its way around the country too, spreading the Driving Power message.
Manpower ensures that its recruitment consultants know the industry. All key personnel involved in driver recruitment are CPC-holders, so the recruiter knows the needs of both haulier and driver. "We have introduced a whole host of experts into Driving Power," says Coult. "At Driving Power we are committed to providing the best financial benefits, attractive pay schemes and a personal training and development plan for every driver. By providing our drivers four weeks' holiday pay, regular overtime, paid bank holidays and sick pay, we are confident that our drivers will remain loyal. Given the driver shortages, Driving Power is fully behind CM'S new driver campaign," she concludes. "We see it as an invaluable part of the future of the industry."
Contact: Manpower on 01472 356337.