WHAT'S YOUR PLANET?
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What planet are John Bridge and Ron Webb living on? (A dying art. CM 29 Mar-4 Apr). There is no shortage of drivers; there is a shortage of ability by the industry to address the issues of accepting drivers into the industry.
In my article (Sound off, CM 8-14 March) I raised the issue of passing the buck between insurer and employer on the issue of two years' experience (which does not apply when doing agency work, for some reason). It was interesting to note that not one insurer or employer responded to this theory. I suspect that this arrangement is too convenient and any attempt to flush out the truth would rock the boat. So once again I would ask (as a driver holding an HGV1 for less than two years): why can I drive at 44 tonnes for a company via an agency but not be directly employed by that company?" Nigel Smith, i-iolbury, Southampton.
• That seems a perfectly valid question, Mr Smith. If the risk Is acceptable to an agency's insurers it sounds like a good bet for a haulier too—Ed.