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Working Time uncertainty
Page 26
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IT SEEMS NOBODY is certain what effect the W'orkingTime Regulations will have on the transport industry.
You have drivers who believe a substantial pay rise is imminent — for years excessive overtime has been relied upon to take home a living wage. Others believe the regulations and current rates of pay will make HGV driving a non-viable option.
On the other hand I have heard tales of employers brainwashing drivers that the regulation "won't affect us as it is only with regard to driving time". I believe the theory here is that if breaks and rest don't count towards working time for the purpose of the rules, then if you're tipping or loading, get the tacho on break.
It sounds to me like this is the solution for a number of employers.However, it would be illegal not to use the tacho mode switch correctly.Who cares though—it will be the long suffering exploited driver who gets the penalty imposed against him.
These desperate employers will always disown anyone working illegally — they always have —and they cannot be seen to condone such behaviour.
Yet they all, without exception, push drivers to the limits. I have driven all my working life of 28 years, and have plenty of experience of them all, and their practices.
Steve Farrington Leeds