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Don't tar us all with the same brush

9th October 1997, Page 28
9th October 1997
Page 28
Page 28, 9th October 1997 — Don't tar us all with the same brush
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Keywords : Disaster / Accident

T feel I must take issue with 'Ilona Richards (CM 11-17 Sept) on the subject of agency drivers.

Yes, there are agencies about that are in the game for a quick buck—just as there are in any business, but I take issue with anyone who thinks we are all the same.

Our Leeds office driving section is staffed by two active Class 1 drivers (myself included). We have also worked as managers in transport.

As a business we need to make a profit but unless we look after our drivers we have no 'product' to sell. Therefore, looking after our drivers is a major part of our business To this end, the majority of our drivers are paid if we have no work, paid overtime after eight hours and weekends, are paid Bank Holidays, are paid holiday and sick pay, and have company uniforms.

Last year we trained five drivers on lorry cranes and 10 on ADR, and we will continue to do so. We pay more than some local hauliers, and look after our drivers better: we speak to numerous HGV drivers working for these companies and the way they treat their drivers—their biggest assets—is abysmal.

I also have driven for some bad agencies and I can see your points are valid, but please do not class us all the same.

Paul Smith,

Branch manager, Esprit People, Leeds.

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Locations: Leeds

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