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PERKS FOR ALL? TRY WORKING IT OUT...
Page 3
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Love 'em or hate 'em, agency drivers are an essential part of the UK road haulage industry. But the proposal that all temporary staff should be given the same pay and benefits as full-time employees must seem one of the more
barmy ideas to see the light of day, even to an industry used to wrestling with the complexities of drivers' hours, LEZs and sky-high fuel duty. Yet this isn't coming from a faceless bureaucrat in Brussels-the scheme has been cooked up by Labour backbencher Andrew Miller in his own private members' bill.
There might be a grain of sense in his plan to give temporary workers equal pay with full-time employees doing the same workespecially where companies are using temporary contracts to avoid paying the full costs of direct labour.
But when workers really are temporary, giving them the same perks and benefits as full-timers is nonsense. Agencies provide a flexible, short-term solution. How can an employer be expected to calculate the benefits due to an agency driver who may only be with the firm a few days a year? Equally, agency drivers can work for dozens of companies, so how can they keep track of accumulated benefits?
"Forcing operators to give all staff the same benefits is yet another burden
As CM's report from an undercover agency driver to be published in our 10 April issue shows, there is a wide variation in the way operators treat temporary drivers. There is no excuse for poor health-and-safety training, lack of clear instructions in operating the vehicle, or failure to provide directions. All drivers whether agency or full-time deserve the same high standards in these areas. But forcing operators to work out how they are going to ensure all staff get the same pay and benefits will be another administrative burden added to those already weighing down road transport.
• Look out for a bright new look to Commercial Motor next week when we launch our redesign with a special issue. CM will still bring you all the latest news, vehicle tests and business tipsbut in a new format that is even easier to find your way around. Order your copy now to avoid disappointment!