Drivers' pay is set to rise
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• Hauliers and unions are predicting that acute driver shortages will push up wages in the next pay round.
James Irlam & Sons has already been forced to introduce an improved deal for its drivers, offering a guaranteed 50-hour week, instead of 40 hours. Managing director David Irlam says: "We had to revamp the package we were offering, just to keep drivers".
Wellingborough-based Mansped says that drivers are able to pick and choose the jobs they like. "It's a drivers market," says operations manager Stuart I3aren, The warnings come as employers and unions prepare for next year's wage round. This year the industry was plagued by a series of pay disputes with many companies, such as MD Foods and Lynx Express, having to improve their initial pay offers.
Danny Bryan, TGWU national secretary—road transport, agrees that the shortages will have a significant impact on wages. "We are seeing more and more drivers saying no to offers," he says, "and the more they say no and actually get a better deal, the more they will continue to say no."