GET TOUGH WITH AGENCIES • In recent weeks there has
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been considerable concern over the use of agency or contract drivers. I would like to suggest that in view of the considerable volume of legislation involving commerical transport, what is .. required is a tougher system of licensing akin to vehicle operators' licensing, which should include the following minimum, and legally enforcable, standards: 0 Full employers indemnity insurance.
El Only to trade with customers who have signed a binding contract.
El All drivers must have had their references checked and licences validated and be in receipt of, or able to obtain, a P45.
0 Must be prepared to offer full-time employment with a proper contract of employment to all drivers.
G Supervisors should be
suitably qualified, ie CPC, or have immediate access to qualified advisors.
Specific contractual obligations: O Clearly specified level of insurance cover for clients' loss or distress subject to special conditions for circumstances where cover might prove inadequate. (This in itself will constitute an indication of a company's financial standing).
El Statement of liability in relation to vehicle/driver insurance.
0 Assure that, unless mutually agreed otherwise, tachographs will be returned to clients within 21 days, or any fees are forfeit.
E Guarantee that the agency will check its drivers' tachos, unless the client specifically requests to check them itself, and that in any event transgressions will be suitably notified.
• Obligation to ensure that drivers supplied are legally capable of fulfilling the tasks specified or forfeit all fees.
In conjunction with existing laws on employment businesses, these should provide a sound framework. To he effective though, there would, as R Little (CM 21-2S September) suggested, need to be regular inspections, so possibly implementation of such standards should be via the Licensing Authority.
Companies that have, or have sprung from, those with Operators Licences should be in a position to effect the general standards, and
certainly a renewable licence to operate as a driving employment business would be a familiar concept.
It is implicit that failure to comply would result in the loss of the licence.
This should deter some of the cowboys.
No set of standards or regulations is totally comprehensive so there will always be those who will find a loop-hole. Combined with those who don't care it will always be a case of — customer beware. H A Simpson, Contract Driver, Hatesowen, West Midlands.