Employers must review practices after Stobart ruling

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Hauliers must review practices after Stobart ruling

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Operators have been urged to check their practices after Stobart (Ireland) Driver Services, an Irish driver agency that is part of Eddie Stobart Logistics, was made to pay compensation to 21 drivers for what they claimed were interruptions to their weekly rest periods.

The drivers were each awarded a payout of between €3,500 (£2,572) and €5,000, after they said they were not being given uninterrupted breaks between shifts. The drivers claimed they were required to phone the company during rest periods to find out when their next shift began.

The Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU), which was acting on behalf of the drivers, confirmed to CM that it took the case to the Irish Labour Court and, subsequently, the Circuit Civil Court on 11 March, which enforced the former’s decision to award compensation.

Adrian Jones, national officer for union Unite, told CM that the case could have “wide ranging impacts” on the UK haulage industry and urged operators to consider changing their practices.

“It’s common practice for drivers to call to find out their starting time,” said Jones. “Even if it’s for a couple of minutes, it is interrupting their rest [period].”

Solicitor Lucy Whitaker of Pragma Law said that although the case was not dealt with in the UK, it could still have an effect on UK road transport law.

She said: “The decision may still have a persuasive effect on the courts dealing with any similar case here. Therefore employers in the whole of the UK should take note of the decision and, if appropriate, make changes to
their practices.

“If the driver is effectively on standby, it’s arguable that the time spent at home is more like a period of availability than a proper rest.”

Stobart (Ireland) Driver Services declined to comment.

[tansorboy]

So if my DOM speaks to me about work during my breaks, I may get a couple of grand in compensation?

[POSTMAN]

Imagine...

[Lounge Lizard]

So if my DOM speaks to me about work during my breaks, I may get a couple of grand in compensation?

So I won't keep my mobile phones witched off in future.
and could mange a good night out on a payout of between €3,500 (£2,572) and €5,000.