Introduction                                                

  Driver Portal                                                                        

  Reporting for Work

  Absence from Duty 

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  Reporting for Duty

  Vehicle Checks

  Coupling and Uncoupling procedures

  On the Road

  Accident Procedure

  First Aid

  Digital Tachographs

  Driver Cards

  Lost or damaged cards

  Universal Time Coordinated (UTC)

  Log on Procedures

  Log off Procedures

 

  Driver Responsibilities

  Confirmation of Hours Worked

  Road Transport Working Time Regulations

  Shifts and Breaks for EU Drivers hours and RTWDR 

  Bridge Height Conversions

  UK Speed limits

  Grievance Procedure

  Health and Safety Policy

  Alcohol and Drugs Policy

  Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

  Data Protection

  Driver Performance Rating Policy

  Generic Risk Assessment

 

 

Introduction

 

This booklet contains information, procedures and advice to assist drivers to carry out their duties effectively.

If you find anything in this manual that you feel is wrong or could be improved please report it to Eclipse Recruitment as soon as possible. Thank you for your help.

In order to fulfil our commitment to you and offer you the work you want, you must keep us informed of your availability for work.

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Eclipse Recruitment Driver Portal

 

The portal is your central hub for managing bookings. You can:

• Receive, accept, or decline jobs

• Complete timesheets

• See previous shifts completed

• Add Any Missing Shifts

• Update your availability

• Manage your Working and driving hours

Access the portal here or log onto the Eclipse Website at

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www.eclipse-recruitment.com

 

Click the Driver Portal button in the header.

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Reporting for Work

 

Once you accept a job, you must arrive at the agreed time and location. If you are delayed or unable to attend, call Eclipse immediately at 0115 704 4777—we are available 24/7, 365 days a year.

 

Absence from Duty

If you CANNOT attend work for ANY reason you must inform Eclipse Recruitment as soon as possible by telephone. Our number 0115 704 4777 is available 24/7.

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It is too late to notify absence after the planned start time.

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Procedure

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If an emergency occurs necessitating absence from work, you must telephone (or get somebody to telephone on your behalf) as soon as that decision is made.

 

The telephone call may be made at any time of the day or night. For the purpose of notifying absence all Eclipse Recruitment staff are regarded as available 24 hours a day 7 days a week through dialing our number 0115 704 4777

 

Do not just fail to report for your shift. This reflects very badly on both Eclipse Recruitment and you.

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Reporting for Duty

 

On-Site Conduct

 

While on our customer’s premises, you are under their instruction for the duration of your booking. Always treat them and their customers with professionalism, respect, and courtesy. If you encounter any issues, call Eclipse first—we are here to support you.

 

On Arrival

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• Park in the correct parking area.

• Book in with security if required.

• Report to the Transport Office.

 

At the Transport Office

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• Confirm vehicle registration number and location.

• Confirm trailer number and location.

• Check all paperwork is correct.

• Check and double check the loading / unloading sequence.

• Ascertain breakdown procedures for tyres, windscreens, vehicle and trailer.

• Any special instructions of which you should be made aware.

• Any restrictions of route on site.

• Required load restraints and protection.

• Restrictions on stopping en route to drop or during return journey.

• Height of the trailer.

• Any route maps available. (When given a map it must be followed exactly).

• Refueling en route and on return to site.

 

Paperwork Completion

 

• Check that you have all relevant paperwork including any job-sheets required for completion by the customer.

• Check with the customer whether the paperwork should be handed back to the Transport Office or to a different location.

• Where there is a problem with the load check to find out if any other paperwork must be completed.

 

Vehicle Checks

 

Before operating a vehicle, drivers must carry out an appropriate daily walkaround check in accordance with DVSA guidance and the vehicle operator's procedures.

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Checks must cover the condition and operation of safety-critical components, including tyres, wheels, lights, mirrors, brakes, steering, bodywork, load security and any relevant trailer equipment.

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All defects identified must be reported to the vehicle operator using the required defect reporting procedure. Drivers must also notify Eclipse Recruitment where a defect affects the safety or legality of the assignment.

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Drivers must not operate a vehicle where a defect makes it unsafe or unlawful, regardless of whether the customer requests that the journey continues.

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Where a defect is repaired, drivers must obtain confirmation that the vehicle is safe and legally fit for use before continuing.

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Any defect records and required documentation must be completed accurately.

 

Coupling / Uncoupling Procedure

 

Coupling

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• Drivers must follow the vehicle operator's approved coupling procedure and the manufacturer's instructions for the equipment fitted.

• Before coupling, check that the trailer is secure, the parking brake is applied and the coupling heights are suitable.

• After reversing under the trailer, verify that the kingpin is properly engaged and that the fifth-wheel locking mechanism is fully secured.

• Carry out an appropriate tug test and visually inspect the coupling to confirm correct engagement.

• Ensure that all required secondary locking devices are fitted and secured.

• Connect air and electrical lines correctly, check that they are secure and free from damage, and confirm that all relevant trailer systems operate correctly.

• Before moving off, ensure the trailer legs are fully raised, the handle is secured, the trailer parking brake is released and the vehicle and trailer are safe for use.

• Never move a vehicle and trailer combination until the coupling has been properly checked.

 

Uncoupling

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• Ensure trailer is parked on firm level ground, if unsure, chock wheels and place solid dunnage under trailer legs.

• Apply trailer brake and remove the number plate.

• Wind down the legs.

• Turn off the air taps (if fitted), and uncouple air lines and electrical connections, recouple them on unit.

• Remove dog clip and pull back fifth wheel handle.

• Engage low forward gear and pull away slowly checking the trailer for sinking.

• Lastly, recheck the trailer brake.​

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NOTE: These procedures must be followed at all times.

 

On the Road

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Whilst driving a customer’s vehicle you must drive in a safe and courteous manner in accordance with legislation and the Highway Code. Do not carry unauthorised passengers.

 

Delivery

 

Ensure booking in time in advance if at all possible. If you are running behind schedule and think you may be late inform the customer as soon as possible so they can try to arrange a later booking time.

 

On arrival

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• Park in the correct area.

• Take your notes to the correct office to book in.

• Wait in your cab until called forward.

• After you have been tipped, check paperwork, ensuring everything is in order.

• Secure any remaining pallets or return load and secure the trailer.

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Throughout the day, maintain regular contact with the customer and keep them informed of your progress, particularly if you experience any delays.

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If you are approaching the limit of your available duty time, YOU MUST notify the customer as early as possible to receive further instructions.

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You must ensure that any instructions received allow you to complete your legally required daily rest within the applicable period. Under no circumstances should you continue working if doing so would result in a breach of drivers' hours or rest regulations.

 

LET THE CUSTOMER MAKE ANY DECISIONS ABOUT NIGHTS OUT etc.

 

Night Out

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When parking overnight, choose a safe and secure location wherever reasonably possible. Secure the cab, trailer and load in accordance with the operator's instructions. Trailer doors must only be left open where expressly permitted by the operator and where doing so is safe and appropriate.

 

On Return

 

When you return to the customers premises the following procedures will be carried out.

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• Book in, through security if necessary, find out if the customer requires any other work completing.

• Drop the trailer in the correct area.

• Perform checks on vehicle, including refuelling and topping up engine oil as required.

• Clean out the cab.

• Wash down the vehicle (if required).

• Complete any defect reports if necessary.

• Park the vehicle in the correct area.

• Complete all remaining outstanding paperwork. (Log sheets, etc).

• Remove your Tachograph.

• Report to the traffic office to double check that all work has been completed.

• Hand in all paperwork.

• Complete your timesheet on your app fully and correctly.

• Check that you have handed in all keys and paperwork, and that you have your tachograph, timesheet and all your possessions before leaving the site.

 

Accident Procedure

 

Procedure

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• In the event of an accident or breakdown, switch on your hazard warning lights immediately, where appropriate, to alert other road users. If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle to a place of safety and follow the guidance in the Highway Code.

• Warning triangles may be used on suitable roads where it is safe to do so, but NEVER place a warning triangle on a motorway.

• Always prioritise your own safety and that of other road users. Contact the emergency services where necessary and follow any instructions provided by the police or emergency personnel.

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If You Are Involved

 

• DO NOT ADMIT LIABILITY or agree to accept responsibility for an accident, even if you believe you may have been at fault. Do not speculate about the cause or offer to settle any claim. Always provide an honest and factual account to the police, Eclipse Recruitment and insurers.

• Obtain the names, addresses and contact details of any witnesses, where possible.

• Exchange the legally required details with other parties involved, including names, addresses, vehicle registration numbers and vehicle owner details.

• As soon as it is safe to do so, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road markings, traffic signs and any other relevant evidence. Prepare a sketch showing vehicle positions, road layout and any relevant measurements where practical.

• YOU MUST STOP following an accident where legally required and fulfil your obligations to exchange details or report the incident to the police. If the required details cannot be exchanged, report the accident to the police as soon as reasonably practicable and within 24 hours. Where an injury occurs, additional reporting requirements may apply. Do not leave until your legal obligations have been met and it is safe to do so. Follow any instructions given by attending police officers or emergency services.

• NOTIFY ECLIPSE RECRUITMENT IMMEDIATELY following any accident or incident, regardless of how minor it appears. Provide full details and follow the instructions given, provided they do not conflict with your legal obligations or safety.

 

First Aid

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This section is advisory only. It is not authoritative.

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People die at the scene of accidents because others think they can’t help. Even if you are not trained you can check the following:

 

• If someone is injured, call 999 and follow the emergency call handler's instructions.

• Check whether the casualty is responsive and breathing normally, without putting yourself in danger.

• If the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin CPR following the emergency call handler's guidance. Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as one is available, following its spoken instructions.

• If you are unable or unwilling to provide rescue breaths, perform continuous chest compressions as directed by the emergency call handler.

• Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger. Keep them reassured and monitor their condition until professional help arrives.

 

Digital Tachographs

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Digital and smart tachographs automatically record information about a driver's activities and the operation of a vehicle. They help ensure compliance with drivers' hours, working time and rest requirements.

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The tachograph consists of a display, controls, printer and two driver card slots. It records driving time, other work, periods of availability, breaks, rest, vehicle movements and certain faults or events.

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Information is stored electronically in the vehicle unit, generally for approximately 365 days, and on the driver's individual tachograph card.

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Drivers must ensure that the tachograph is working correctly, their activities are accurately recorded and the correct operating mode is selected throughout their shift.

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The tachograph records much of the information automatically. However, drivers remain responsible for entering their start and finish countries and completing any necessary manual entries.

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Driver Cards

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Every driver operating a vehicle fitted with a digital or smart tachograph, where tachograph regulations apply, must use their own valid driver card.

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The card records driving activities, other work, periods of availability, breaks and rest. Drivers must never use another person's card or allow anyone else to use their own.

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Drivers are responsible for:

• Carrying and using their own valid driver card.

• Inserting the card into the correct slot before driving.

• Selecting the correct activity mode throughout their shift.

• Recording any activities not automatically captured by the tachograph.

• Making accurate manual entries when required.

• Recording the country where their daily work begins and ends.

• Making their card available for downloading when requested.

• Reporting any lost, stolen, damaged or faulty card immediately.

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Driver card data must be downloaded at least every 28 calendar days, or more frequently where necessary to prevent information being lost. Drivers must cooperate with the relevant operator to ensure downloads are completed.

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Drivers must also be able to produce their required tachograph records during roadside inspections.

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Lost, Stolen, Damaged or Faulty Driver Cards

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If a driver card is lost, stolen, damaged or stops working, the driver must report the problem to the DVLA immediately and apply for a replacement within seven calendar days.

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Where a card cannot be used, a driver may continue driving without it for a maximum of 15 calendar days, provided the legal conditions are met. A longer period is only permitted in limited circumstances where necessary for the vehicle to return to its premises.

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During this period, drivers must:

• Produce a vehicle unit printout at the start and end of each day's driving.

• Complete separate start and finish printouts for each vehicle used.

• Record any activities not automatically captured, including other work, availability, breaks and rest.

• Include their name and driver card or driving licence number.

• Sign each printout.

• Retain and produce the records when required.

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Important: Forgetting your driver card is not a valid reason to drive without it. Drivers must not operate a vehicle requiring a digital tachograph simply because they have left their card at home. Driving with an expired card is also prohibited.

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Replacement cards can be requested through the DVLA. Lost or stolen cards can normally be replaced online, while damaged or faulty cards require a postal application.

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Apply for a replacement:

https://www.gov.uk/apply-driver-digital-tachograph-card.            DVLA Contact: 0300 790 6109

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Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

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Digital and smart tachographs record activities using Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), regardless of the country in which the vehicle is operating.

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The display may be set to local time, but the tachograph's recorded information remains in UTC.

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In the UK:

• Winter (GMT): UTC and UK local time are the same.

• Summer (BST): UTC is one hour behind UK local time.

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For example, during British Summer Time, a shift starting at 06:00 UK time will be recorded as 05:00 UTC.

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Drivers must take particular care when completing manual entries to ensure times are entered correctly. The tachograph may display UTC or local time, depending on the vehicle's settings.

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Starting Your Shift – Logging On

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Before driving, drivers must insert their card and ensure the tachograph correctly records their activities.

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The precise procedure may vary depending on the make and model of tachograph fitted.

1. Switch on the vehicle ignition, where necessary.

2. Insert your driver card into slot 1, following the direction shown on the tachograph.

3. Wait for the tachograph to recognise the card and display your details.

4. Check the date and time of the last recorded card withdrawal.

5. Complete any necessary manual entries for activities since the card was last removed.

6. Confirm the country where your daily work begins.

7. Check that the card has been accepted and the tachograph is ready for use.

8. Ensure the correct activity mode is selected before starting work.

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Where two drivers are operating the vehicle, the driver currently driving must use slot 1 and the second driver must use slot 2. Cards must be moved to the correct slots when driving responsibilities change.

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Important: Do not automatically select 'No' when asked whether manual entries are required. Any work, availability, breaks or rest not already recorded must be accounted for using the appropriate recording method.

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Manual Entries

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Manual entries are required when activities have taken place away from the vehicle and have not been recorded automatically.

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This may include:

• Other work undertaken before or after driving.

• Work carried out for another employer or recruitment agency.

• Periods of availability.

• Daily or weekly rest.

• Annual leave or sickness absence, where applicable.

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Drivers must ensure there are no unexplained gaps in their required activity records.

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Manual records may be completed using the tachograph's manual entry facility or another legally permitted recording method, such as tachograph printout paper.

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Drivers should check all entries carefully before confirming them. Incorrect entries can result in infringements and enforcement action.

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During Your Shift

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Drivers must ensure the tachograph accurately reflects their activities throughout the working day. The correct mode must be selected whenever an activity changes:

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ActivityRecording requirement

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Driving - Normally recorded automatically when the vehicle is moving

Other work - Loading, unloading, vehicle checks and other duties

Availability - Qualifying waiting periods where the expected duration is known in advance

Breaks and rest - Genuine periods of break or rest when no work is undertaken

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Drivers must not assume that the tachograph will automatically select the correct mode whenever the vehicle stops. Selecting the correct activity is the driver's responsibility.

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Finishing Your Shift – Logging Off

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At the end of the working day:

1. Ensure the vehicle is safely parked.

2. Select the correct activity mode.

3. Record the country where your daily work has ended, using the tachograph menu.

4. Check that all required activities have been recorded.

5. Press the appropriate card eject button.

6. Complete any instructions displayed by the tachograph.

7. Produce a printout if required.

8. Wait for the card to be released before removing it.

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Drivers must ensure the end country is recorded at the end of their daily work period, even if the card is being left in the tachograph.

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The driver card should not normally be removed during the working day unless there is an authorised reason, such as changing vehicles.

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Tachograph Records – 28-Day and 56-Day Requirements

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Drivers must be able to produce their tachograph records when requested by the DVSA or another authorised enforcement officer.

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The period of records required depends on the type of operation.

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UK Domestic Journeys

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For journeys operating entirely within the UK under the applicable assimilated drivers' hours rules, drivers must normally be able to produce records for:

• The current day.

• The previous 28 calendar days.

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International Journeys Between the UK and EU

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Drivers undertaking relevant international journeys between the UK and EU must be able to produce records for:

• The current day.

• The previous 56 calendar days.

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These records must cover all relevant activities during the period, including UK driving, other work, availability, breaks, rest and periods when the driver was not driving. Different requirements may apply to international journeys governed by AETR rules.

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Important – Mixed Work and Multiple Employers

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Drivers who undertake work for more than one employer or recruitment agency must ensure their tachograph records accurately reflect all relevant work and driving activities, not just assignments completed through Eclipse Recruitment.

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For example, if a driver completes shifts for Eclipse and another agency during the same week, both sets of activities must be correctly recorded.

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Drivers undertaking occasional international journeys between the UK and EU must ensure they can produce complete records for the required 56-day period when carrying out those journeys.

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They should therefore maintain sufficiently detailed records in advance, including UK-only assignments and other employment, so that their records are complete if international work becomes necessary.

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The 56-day international requirement does not automatically apply to every subsequent UK-only journey simply because a driver has previously worked abroad. However, maintaining a continuous 56-day record is recommended for drivers who regularly alternate between UK and international assignments.

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Drivers must provide operators with sufficient information about their other work and driving activities to enable compliance with the applicable rules.

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Records Required During Roadside Inspections

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Drivers must be able to produce the relevant records when requested by an authorised enforcement officer.

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Depending on the vehicle and work undertaken, these may include:

• Their valid digital tachograph driver card.

• Analogue tachograph charts, where applicable.

• Tachograph printouts.

• Manual records and entries.

• Records of driving, other work, availability, breaks and rest for the applicable period.

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All records must be accurate, complete and available for inspection. Drivers must cooperate fully with enforcement officers and must not falsify, alter or deliberately omit tachograph information.

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Driver Responsibilities

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Correct use of a digital tachograph is a legal responsibility.

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Drivers must ensure that:

• Their card is valid and used correctly.

• All driving and working activities are accurately recorded.

• Manual entries are completed whenever required.

• The correct activity mode is selected.

• Start and finish countries are recorded.

• Required records are available for inspection.

• Any tachograph faults or card problems are reported promptly.

Failure to follow tachograph regulations can result in enforcement action, financial penalties and, in serious cases, prosecution.

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Drivers who are unsure how to operate a particular tachograph must seek guidance from the vehicle operator before starting their journey.

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Confirmation of Hours Worked

 

Drivers are responsible for submitting accurate timesheets through the Eclipse Driver Portal following each completed assignment.

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Submitted hours will be checked against the customer's records before being processed for payment.

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Where there is a discrepancy, Eclipse Recruitment may contact the driver and customer to establish the correct hours worked.

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If a driver fails to submit a timesheet, Eclipse Recruitment may use available customer records and other reliable information to establish the hours worked.

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Any discrepancies will be investigated and corrected where necessary. Drivers must notify Eclipse Recruitment promptly if they believe their recorded or paid hours are incorrect.

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We recommend completing timesheets immediately after each shift rather than leaving them until the end of the working week.​

 

Road Transport Working Time Regulations and EU Drivers Hours

 

On the 4th April 2005, the Road Transport Directive (RTD) was implemented in the United Kingdom. Mobile workers are covered by the Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations if they are involved in operations subject to the Community Drivers’ Hours regulation (EC) 561/2006 as applicable in UK law and AETR where relevant. Generally, drivers, vehicle crew and travelling staff of goods vehicles where the maximum permissible weight exceeds 3.5 tonnes or passenger vehicles suitable for carrying more than 9 people including the driver. 

 

From 1 July 2026, these regulations also apply to vehicles and vehicle combinations exceeding 2.5 tonnes when undertaking relevant international goods transport operations, including journeys between the UK and EU.

Drivers undertaking international work must comply with the applicable driving limits, rest periods and tachograph requirements. Certain exemptions may apply depending on the vehicle, type of operation and journey.

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Drivers must ensure they understand and comply with the regulations relevant to their work before commencing any international journey

 

A worker is anyone who provides work or services under a contract, express or implied. A mobile worker is any worker forming part of the travelling staff (typically drivers and crew, but also trainees and apprentices) who is in the service of an undertaking which operates road transport services for passengers or the movement of goods. Mobile workers include drivers who work for hire and reward companies or companies with own account operations.

 

Main provisions

 

• Working time is limited to an average 48-hour week over a reference period agreed with employee representatives. Eclipse Recruitment’s period is seventeen weeks.

• Up to 60 hours working time can be performed during a single week, providing the average working time does not exceed 48 hours during the reference period.

• Night work (any work that touches the hours between midnight and 04.00) is restricted to 10 hours in any 24-hour period. However, these rules can be varied by agreement with employee representatives.

• Workers cannot work more than six consecutive hours without taking a break. If working between 6-9 hours, a break of at least 30 minutes is required. If working over nine hours, breaks totaling 45 minutes are required.

• Workers cannot opt out of the average 48 hour week. However, any time classified as a break, rest or a “period of availability” does not count towards any of the working time limits. These periods are not defined as working time under the RTD.

 

Working Time

 

• The RTD states that working time should not be confused with shift or duty time. Breaks during a shift (whether paid or unpaid) do not count towards working time.

• Waiting time can also be discounted, as long as it conforms to the conditions that would see it classified as a “period of availability” (POA).

• Working time for another road transport employer counts towards the total working hours performed by the mobile worker.

 

Working time includes:

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• Driving; Loading/unloading; cleaning; maintenance of the vehicle; work intended to ensure the safety of the vehicle and its cargo and passengers (e.g. monitoring loading and unloading); time during which the mobile worker cannot freely dispose of their time and is required to be at the workstation (the cab, employers premises etc) ready to take up normal work, with certain tasks associated with being on duty; waiting periods where their foreseeable duration is not known in advance either before departure or just before the start of the period in question.

• Working time does not include rest breaks when no work is done or periods of availability.

 

Breaks

 

• The EU drivers’ hours rules require a break of 45 minutes after 4.5 hours cumulative or continuous driving (or two breaks, the first must be no less than 15 minutes followed by a break of 30 minutes during or immediately after the driving period).

 

The RTD requires that:

 

• Mobile workers should not work for more than six consecutive hours without taking a break.

• If working hours total between six and nine hours a day, a break of at least 30 minutes is required.

• If working hours total more than nine hours a day, working time should be interrupted with a break of 45 minutes.

• When taking a break driver may not perform anything that might be regarded as other work during this period.

• Breaks taken under the RTD may be taken at the workstation, including the mobile worker’s cab

 

If working for more than one employer.

 

If an employee works for two or more employers in the road transport sector, then the weekly working time is the combined total of the hours worked (excluding breaks, rest periods and periods of availability) for all the employers. The mobile worker must tell their employer(s) of any time worked for another employer. This can be recorded on your Driver Portal

 

Night Limits - The RTD stipulates that:

 

• Working time must not exceed 10 hours in any 24-hour period, if any night work is undertaken.

• Any work performed in the night time (between midnight and 04.00) triggers the 10-hour limit.

• This can be increased beyond a maximum of 10 hours by collective or workforce agreement.

• When driving, the existing break requirements under the EU drivers’ hours’ rules will take precedence. However, when driving is mixed with other work, the break provision under the RTD will sometimes apply in addition.

 

Daily Rest

 

• When driving, the EU drivers’ hours rules require 11 consecutive hours rest in each period of 24 hours (calculated from the moment the driver commences work), with the possibility of reducing this to nine consecutive hours up to three times a week.

• Alternatively, 12 hours rest may be taken in two breaks. Split regular daily rest is at least 3 hours followed by at least 9 hours, in that order.

 

Weekly Rest

 

• Drivers must take a regular weekly rest period of at least 45 consecutive hours. This may be reduced to a minimum of 24 consecutive hours, subject to the regulations.

• In any two consecutive fixed weeks, drivers must normally take either two regular weekly rest periods of at least 45 hours each, or one regular weekly rest period and one reduced weekly rest period of at least 24 hours.

• Any reduction below 45 hours must be compensated by an equivalent period of rest, taken in one continuous block and attached to another rest period of at least 9 hours. Compensation must be completed before the end of the third week following the week in which the reduction occurred.

• Drivers undertaking qualifying international goods transport may take two consecutive reduced weekly rest periods, provided they meet the specific conditions. These include taking at least four weekly rest periods within four consecutive weeks, at least two of which must be regular weekly rests. Both reductions must be fully compensated immediately before the next regular weekly rest period.

• Weekly rest must normally begin no later than six consecutive 24-hour periods after the end of the previous weekly rest. Regular weekly rest periods must not be taken in the vehicle.

• Drivers must ensure that all weekly rest periods and any required compensation are properly recorded and comply with the regulations applicable to their journey.

 

Periods of Availability are defined as:

 

• Where the mobile worker is not required to remain at his workstation (but must be available to answer calls to start work or resume driving).

• Where the periods and their foreseeable duration are known in advance either before the departure or just before the start of the period in question.

• Like breaks and rest periods, a period of availability can be taken at the workstation. Provided that the worker has a reasonable amount of freedom (for example, they can relax and read), for a known duration, this would satisfy the requirements for a period of availability.

• Where the mobile worker knows in advance about a delay but, because of safety or security issues, remains in the cab, this would normally be treated as a period of availability.

• Mobile workers do not need to be formally notified about a period of availability and its duration in advance. It is enough that they know about it, and the foreseeable duration, in advance.

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Example of Periods of Availability

 

• When a mobile worker experiences delays at a Distribution Centre or depot, waiting for someone to load or unload their vehicle. They know the length of the delay at the start of the period (because someone has told them, or because they have arrived too early for their slot, or because they always experience a delay with this customer).

• If a mobile worker typically experiences a delay of about one hour when visiting a RDC, which would probably be sufficient prior notice to qualify this time as a period of availability. However, if they experience a two-hour delay when they normally expect an hour, and had not been forewarned about the additional delay, then the second hour would count as working time.

• However, if the mobile worker is notified of a one hour delay but is then notified (before the end of the first hour) that a further one hour delay is expected, then the second hour also counts as a period of availability.

• Where a mobile worker reports for work, is informed that he will not be required to undertake any duties for a specified period (albeit, they need to remain on site to answer calls and be ready to take up work), but is free to wait In the canteen or rest facility.

• If a worker is told to expect a wait of one hour but is subsequently told to start work or undertake some work (for example, securing a load) after 30 minutes, the period of availability should be recorded as 30 minutes.

• If the vehicle breaks down and the mobile worker is told how long it will take to be rescued.

 

Workstation

 

Workstation includes the main place of business, subsidiary places of business, the vehicle’s cab, in and around the vehicle and other places where the mobile worker might work (e.g. when unloading a vehicle at the customers’ site)​​