Huckfield calls for driver-agency probe
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from our parliamentary correspondent
• A private Bill to ban the operation of employment agencies for lorry drivers may be introduced in the Commons by Mr Leslie Huckfield, Labour MP for Nuneaton.
Many small London hauliers have told CM of their fears of such agencies who profit from the current shortage of hgv drivers (CM April 6).
"I am seriously considering this course of action in view of the alarming abuses now coming to light," Mr Huckfield said.
"There is an acute shortage of drivers in the heavy goods vehicle sector and these agencies are taking advantage of it," he claimed.
"What I am particularly worried about is that there are some areas of the country, particularly London, where small employers are almost being held to ransom by agencies.
"An agency can virtually say to a firm: 'You won't get any drivers unless you come to me'," Mr Huckfield alleged. And drivers were being told that they would not get a job unless they used the agency.
Mr Huckfield has tabled Commons questions to Mr John Peyton, Minister for Transport Industries, asking for a full statement about drivers hired through employment agencies.
He wants details of drivers' hours offences committed by drivers hired in this way.
"There is no doubt that enforcement of driving regulations is far more difficult if there is an agency involved," he said.
Mr Huckfield recognizes that, so late in the Parliamentary Session, a Bill to outlaw agencies would stand little chance of becoming law.
"But it will be a vehicle for discussion and might throw some light on the situation," he said.