Fleet managers using temporary drivers for seasonal coverage are being advised to get a copy of the Freight Transport Association's new guide to staying on the right side of the law.
Its 'Guide to Managing Agency Drivers' is aimed at mitigating risks associated with using drivers who are likely to be unfamiliar with the operation and an unknown quantity.
The guide is wide-ranging, first identifying the potential pitfalls of using agency drivers, before detailing procurement issues, such as giving the agency sufficient information, as well as legal obligations around, for example, driver fatigue.
It also outlines factors to consider when choosing an agency, pre-assignment checks and induction training, as well as legal obligations that employment agencies must work to.
There is also a CD ROM containing all document templates mentioned in the guide.