DAM backs benefits blitz on dole-cheating hauliers
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by Karen Miles • Truck drivers are taking a more active role in helping the Benefits Agency to crack down on hauliers who encourage benefit fraud. Jack Crossfield, North-West campaigner for the Drivers Action Movement, is to meet the head of the agency's collusive employer project, Okain McLennan, to help its campaign against companies who knowingly employ dole cheat drivers.
The project is designed to catch employers who encourage workers to claim benefits while working so the employers can pay lower wages.
Last year some 1,400 truck drivers were prosecuted for working while claiming benefits, but only a small number of operators face legal action for collusion.
"Companies and agencies doing this can cause health and safety problems by employing drivers who are registered medically unfit and claiming for it," says Crossfield. "It also keeps wages down throughout the industry. We'll be asking our members to report such organisations."
Drivers with information on companies encouraging employees to sign on can call the Benefit Fraud otline on 0800 854440.