Subcontractors/agency staff replacing me.

Loganfire

I am a cover driver for a HGV company they are making me redundant, I asked them how would they cover my job if the other driver's that I would normally cover went sick or on holiday they said they would either use subcontractors or agency staff. I asked them could they do this and they said yes because it was more cost effective. Can they do this by law?

I know it's the job that is being made redundant and not me but can they simply take on outside people to do my job as they are always going to need some one to cover for sick/holidays and spare runs. They did offer me another job but have now with drawn that saying they don't have a wagon for me, this is a haulage company that has over 200 wagons. I been working for them now for over 3 years.

patman99

It all depends. As a cover driver, how many hours were you actually employed for each week and of those, how many did you actually spend behind the wheel?.

If they paid you for 40 hours a week and you only drove for an average of 4 hours a week, then using contractors/agency would save them a small fortune. However, if you were driving for 20 hours a week or more, this will cost them more as contractors/agencies tend to price at 2.5x regular drivers hourly rate.

There is nothing stopping you from approaching them to offer your services as a contractor. They already know how well you drive for them and by setting your rates right, you could be financially better-off.

Loganfire

Out of 365 days I drove 304 days the rest where holidays or double manning, as to working as a subcontractor I don't own a wagon.

dickydonkin

You could ask your employer what agency they will be using and ask them if you register with that agency, they will ask for you - even in the short term until you find another full time job.

This will also be beneficial to your former employer as they know that you will be suitable (well I am asuming that) and you will also be familiar with the products and customers you would be delivering to.

It's not ideal, but many hauliers are struggling right now and are taking vehicles off the road due to a lack of work.

Just don't burn your bridges with your ex employer - work may pick up in the future.

Jarndyce

Loganfire wrote: »

I am a cover driver for a HGV company they are making me redundant, I asked them how would they cover my job if the other driver's that I would normally cover went sick or on holiday they said they would either use subcontractors or agency staff. I asked them could they do this and they said yes because it was more cost effective. Can they do this by law?

I know it's the job that is being made redundant and not me but can they simply take on outside people to do my job as they are always going to need some one to cover for sick/holidays and spare runs. They did offer me another job but have now with drawn that saying they don't have a wagon for me, this is a haulage company that has over 200 wagons. I been working for them now for over 3 years.

Yes they can - there's nothing to stop employers making bad business decisions. This is a genuine redundancy situation and if there is no suitable alternative employment then you are redundant.

But like others have said - don't burn your boats, they may well ask you back if things pick up.