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NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES
We have an extra-special nomination for our May Driver of the Month award. We would like to sincerely thank and highly commend the actions of our Ocado driver, Toni Menes from Andover. On Friday the 8th of May, Toni was involved in a Road Traffic Collision that closed the M25 clockwise at Junction 8 for 6hrs.
A third-party car had struck the Armco protecting a bridge support at speed and rolled back into the inside lane and into the side of Toni's trailer. Toni’s swift actions and awareness of surrounding traffic undoubtedly prevented the initial collision with his vehicle being far worse. After bringing his truck to halt, he triggered his Smart drive camera, donned his Hi-Viz and went to the third party’s aid.

He called the emergency services, extracted the driver from his vehicle and performed vital first aid. The driver was then taken to hospital in a critical but stable condition. Toni then spent five hours at the scene assisting the police with their investigations.

Toni has worked with us for 4 years and is an excellent, regular and reliable driver who consistently goes beyond the extra mile. He showed remarkable composure and textbook first aid skills and remained calm throughout the whole situation.

We are very proud to have you working for Driver Require, Toni, you displayed all the very best values of a professional driver and your bravery and actions are a true example to all. Thank you.    
 
OUR DOORS ARE (VIRTUALLY) OPEN...
We're now 66 days into the lockdown and with the announcement by Boris Johnson on 10th May that some measures would begin to be lifted in England, we're eager to re-open our offices as soon as we are legally permitted to do so. However, at the present time, we must remain closed while we are able to work from home.

And while we can't yet say our doors are physically open, we are very much present and fully operational - we're on the phone, text and email 24/7. So if you are looking for work, have any questions, or just want to have a chat, do get in touch, we'd love to hear from you.
 
We've just released the final section in our series of reports investigating the impact of COVID-19 on the UK Haulage Sector.
Expert economists are comparing the current crisis to the Great Recession as well as the economic conditions following the Second World War. There is also much speculation about how the impending recession will pan out, with a veritable alphabet of what sort of shape it will take: V-shaped, W, U or L.
Here's the latest Covid-19 Government guidance for hauliers and drivers:
What does this mean in practice?
We've highlighted some key areas to note
The Government has provided guidelines to haulage companies and recommends that they take the following actions:

  • Revise pick-up and drop-off collection points, procedures, signage and markings.
  • Minimise unnecessary contact at gatehouse security, yard and warehouse, for example, non-contact deliveries where the nature of the product allows for use of electronic pre-booking.
  • Where possible and safe, have single workers load or unload vehicles.
  • Where possible, use the same pairs of people for loads where more than one is needed.
  • Enable drivers to access welfare facilities when required, consistent with other guidance.
  • Encourage drivers to stay in their vehicles where this does not compromise their safety and existing safe working practice.
  • Ensure overnight accommodation meets social distancing guidelines.
  • The Government has announced that bus and lorry drivers, whose licences are due to expire in 2020 or already expired this year, will be able to receive a temporary one-year driving licence without having to provide a medical report.
    • temporary removal of the routine D4 medical will make it easier for bus and lorry drivers to renew their driving licence and keep 30,000 drivers on the road each month
    • as long as they are fit to drive, applicants will be able to apply for a 1-year licence without the need to provide further medical evidence
    • will keep key supply chains flowing and ensure NHS staff can prioritise vital work on coronavirus

A video from the RHA for drivers by drivers:
following a group of hard working truckers as they keep the UK moving, supplied and safe during the Pandemic crisis

 
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
At this difficult time, maybe more than ever, we need to take care of our mental health and those around us. If you would like to find out more, whether for you or to help others, the Mental Health Foundation is a good place to start

 
SOME KIND WORDS...
"Having falling into the unemployed category due to the virus, I found myself desperately trying to find work. Never have I encounted as a HGV driver difficulty obtaining work! I signed up to every driving agency in the South East to be let down. For weeks I had been looking. Quite often I would spend the time filling out copious amounts of paperwork, to be told shortly afterwards that there is no work. I'm very understanding, and knew how badly the virus was effecting business but, I would still find job advets being posted. I wasnt sure what was going on, I'm hard working and have a lot of experience, but somehow all i found myself doing was filling in application forms. Despite numerous amounts of phone calls and emails, I still had no joy whatsoever. I ended up speaking with Phil from Driver Require, who was very professional, and was not just looking to add a me for no reason into his pool of drivers. He explained that there is there is a problem within the industry, but has a contract that still require drivers. He then explained that he couldnt promise me the world, and is trying to think of what is best for all of his drivers, and explained that he might be able to get me something, but is sharing the work out evenly amongst the team. To be fair, I was happy with that but have had more than enough work from them to keep me busy. I was sceptical about joining a driving agency! But Driver Require have been outstanding! Pay is always on time and correct. Communication is fantastic! You are treated with respect. Kat and Mike send texts detailing shift starts, and are always happy to answer any questions. Can't fault them! A fine example of how a driving agency should be run. Very greatful of your support through these difficult times."
Let us know how you rate our service here. And you can check out some of our other driver reviews from Google.
IN THE NEWS....
VIEWPOINT: SURVIVE, AND THEN SURVIVE

Only a few weeks ago few of us could have foreseen the current crisis – lockdown, furlough, shutdown. It’s definitely not business as usual. The market has disintegrated, and most of us are battling to survive. Here’s what we’re expecting.....
Read our article in The Recruiter....

There is little doubt about the devastating effects that Covid19 has had on the road haulage industry, from driver redundancies and mothballed trucks, to furloughed staff with uncertain futures, even a lack of provision of basic services on the road for those still working. One area in particular, is going to be hit much harder than most. Read more....
Give lorries access to major London routes to ensure essential deliveries, say hauliers

As work begins to close off major routes in London to lorries, cars, vans, hauliers are calling for lorries to be exempt from the ban. Read more....

Definitive guidance on the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) promised by the government cannot come soon enough for the UK’s temporary worker sector. Read more....
Read more from our latest Blog and interesting stories here...

Call us today on: 0345 222 2121   /  Or email us at: info@driverrequire.co.uk
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