Hauliers lose oil deals by Karen Miles • The large
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number of contractors carrying industrial fuels for BP Oil are set to lose their work as the oil giant sweeps them away to bring in Wincanton Transport and P&O Roadtanks.
Contracts have not yet been signed by the two companies which will take over the distribution of fuel oil and gas oil to industrial users and the delivery of petrol and diesel to some small petrol stations.
In the three-year deals P&O will cover Scotland, central and northern England: Wincanton will be responsible for south-east and south-west England and Northern Ireland. BP currently employs "numerous" contractors on a regional basis.
The company denies the move is a precursor to putting out to contract the delivery of petrol and diesel to its petrol stations. It has around 320 tankers and drivers carrying petrol and diesel. "There's no plan at the moment but in the long term noth ing can be ruled out," says BP. The rationalisation is part of a programme to improve transport efficiency.
The Transport and General Workers Union has recently negotiated a more intensive use of vehicles and manpower. This week union stewards meet to discuss whether a wage offer from the company to drivers is acceptable.
Last month the financially troubled BP announced it would be cutting thousands of jobs in an effort to improve finances.