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New drivers hit by premiums
Page 28
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THE REASON FOR the work shortage for new and young drivers is two-fold.
Firstly, unless the company has iN own bonded insurance, the restrictions are set by the insurance companies—and unless the government does something about this, it will only get worse.
Secondly, too many companies are giving only basic training. Training should include using different gearboxes, roping and sheeting and simple maintenance.
I know of youngsters getting work and taking a lower rate of pay for the first six months to pay for the higher premiums the insurance companies have levied.
Does this happen in plant hire or farming, where the equipment is more expensive and the potential for damage is as much, if not more, than with a truck?
Insurance companies and assessors are refusing to speak to me about this problem. Unless we stand up for our rights to allow access to our industry, we'll suffer through labour shortages.
Willie McArthur by e-mail