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Changes to the HSE Driving at Work policy
21 September 2021
Changes have been made to the Health and Safety Executive Driving at Work policy mean that businesses using gig economy workers or contractors now have the same responsibility for their drivers and vehicles as any other part of the grey fleet.
Chair of the Association of Fleet Professionals, for whom Marshall Leasing’s Sales Director Richard Baird is a board member, Paul Hollick said, “This is potentially impactful. Increasing numbers of vehicles have been operated for businesses outside of usual fleet bounds in recent years, especially as we have seen massive growth in all kinds of home delivery, ranging from internet retail giants to fast food. All of these drivers and vehicles now clearly fall under the same area of legal responsibility as any other company car or van.
“Really, the big question here is the degree to which these businesses will move to comply. Levels of grey fleet compliance are arguably not that high and it is perhaps unlikely that your local sandwich delivery business will quickly adopt all of these measures. At the other end of the scale, there may also be resistance from people such as large internet retailers, who might pursue a similar third-party argument to that used by Uber in terms of employee rights.
“The AFP sees grey fleet as a major area of focus, with webinars and guides being produced in this area, as well as having a specialist Risk, Compliance and Health Committee. This new development makes all of this work even more relevant. However, it should be noted that this is an area where fleet managers can struggle to take control because of lack of support from their board or other departments, who are often slow to acknowledge the need for compliance.”
Contract hire and fleet management
Marshall Leasing is a Bank of Ireland-owned business which offers a commercial and flexible approach to business contract hire, contract purchase, sale and leaseback for cars and LCVs fleets and management of purchased fleets.
If you would like to find out more about our contract hire and fleet management services, please get in touch with us at info@marshall-leasing.co.uk or by calling 01480 414541. Alternatively, please complete our contact form.
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