Agency Drivers

[Porte Molitor]

As an interested passenger, and for no other reason, could anyone who works in the industry (I know there are a good number of Drivers and Managers on here as well as ex-industry people on here) enlighten me on the use of agency drivers. I knew that they would be used for irregular things such as rail replacements, pop concerts and sporting events, but I understand some of the big companies use them on regular basis for local bus services. Whilst I am aware of the spread of agency workers in the rail industry, I'd thought that the person driving my bus would be a direct employee. What are industry people's thoughts on the matter please.

 

[carlberry]

As an interested passenger, and for no other reason, could anyone who works in the industry (I know there are a good number of Drivers and Managers on here as well as ex-industry people on here) enlighten me on the use of agency drivers. I knew that they would be used for irregular things such as rail replacements, pop concerts and sporting events, but I understand some of the big companies use them on regular basis for local bus services. Whilst I am aware of the spread of agency workers in the rail industry, I'd thought that the person driving my bus would be a direct employee. What are industry people's thoughts on the matter please.

Transport companies will use agency staff for the same reasons that companies in other sectors do, usually short term issues or something happening at short notice. Traditionally the bus industry has dealt with such things through overtime however there comes a point where there just are not enough staff to cover, sometimes nowadays because of changes to driving regulations. As a passenger it should make little difference, however there is a tendency for agency drivers to be expected to know routes and vehicles where employed staff would have been expected to have learnt the route/vehicle beforehand. I suspect that few companies would use them on a long term basis if they had any way of avoiding it as they're likely to cost more!

 

[Geordie driver]

I have never known agency drivers to be used on local service buses at least with any major operator in the North East. Mind it's a while since I worked driving.

I am aware in the HGV world it is common to start with an agency then once you become known as reliable get a permanent job, in the PCV world they are nearly always short of drivers so you don't need to work your way up.

Edit, while I think on, if they are short of drivers they just pull runs that they think might be quiet, unless they are in trouble with the commissioners they won't care.

Even pre 1986 I recall in Newcastle every weekend many corporation buses would be missing due to driver shortage. In the short term it actually increases revenue.

 

[Mwanesh]

You will find there are few agencies for bus drivers. Bus companies find it easier to bring drivers from other places. They also have weekend only drivers. They prefer people they employ direct than agency

 

[Eyersey468]

We don't use agency staff on local bus although there are some part time casual drivers

 

[CN04NRJ]

I understand Newport Bus have been using agency drivers for quite some time - causing alot of resentment among them and full time drivers because of the difference in pay.

 

[PG]

The large groups will often loan drivers from one area to another to cover shortages e.g. a Newcastle driver going to Oxford for a couple of months with the company paying for their accommodation.

This has the advantage that the ticket machine doesn't have to be taught as it's often this that is operator specific and within the groups they often use the same system countrywide.

 

[Eyersey468]

The large groups will often loan drivers from one area to another to cover shortages e.g. a Newcastle driver going to Oxford for a couple of months with the company paying for their accommodation.

This has the advantage that the ticket machine doesn't have to be taught as it's often this that is operator specific and within the groups they often use the same system countrywide.

After the Go Ahead takeover we were borrowing drivers from both GNE and Dublin as we were so short of drivers.

 

[Spsf3232]

It will surprise you how often agency drivers are used in the big companies. First, stagecoach, goahead, albelio have all been known to take on agency drivers. Often you wont realise as they are taken on along side normal internal recruits so have full uniforms and training. They are however on much higher rates for the work often with accommodation payed for but without the security of a long term contract.

 

[cnjb8]

After the Go Ahead takeover we were borrowing drivers from both GNE and Dublin as we were so short of drivers.

Is that GNW you work for?

 

[Eyersey468]

Is that GNW you work for?

No, East Yorkshire. Now on the National Express side but was on local bus for nearly 13 years

 

[cnjb8]

No, East Yorkshire. Now on the National Express side but was on local bus for nearly 13 years

Oh ok

 

[RJ]

Lots of agency drivers doing TfL service work for various bus operators. Some temp to perm, some casual or part time.

And yes, they can be on better pay rates than directly employed drivers.

 

[Mwanesh]

It will surprise you how often agency drivers are used in the big companies. First, stagecoach, goahead, albelio have all been known to take on agency drivers. Often you wont realise as they are taken on along side normal internal recruits so have full uniforms and training. They are however on much higher rates for the work often with accommodation payed for but without the security of a long term contract.

i doubt Stagecoach uses agency drivers. National Express do use an agency at Start Hill.