COMMENT In these lean and fit times operators are under
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increasing pressure to cut back on large, full-time driving teams, relying on agency drivers to handle the peaks. It's a sound philosophy from your accountant's viewpoint—but for your transport manager it's fraught with danger if you don't know who you're taking on.
• This month's Legal Bulletin shows how careful you should be when employing a casual or agency driver, and how you should keep their records. Get it wrong on both counts and you could be risking your Operator's Licence—you really can't afford to take a casual attitude to casual workers.
You'll also find an update on what "permitting" means in the law (see right) and how far back the buck travels when your drivers start abusing drivers' hours. And even if they do take their rest periods, are they resting right? When is a rest not a rest? When it's a break. Confused? Then turn to page 31 for the facts. Know the law.. .or prepare to face the consequences!