Im
Hmmm, difficult one. Not sure of the legalities bit I personally want to take my break when and where I so desire. People will reply in shouty letters saying you can’t take a break on a bay, but I’d argue that as long as I’m physically not involved in the loading/unloading process then I’ll stick it on break. But then I live in the real world where sometimes one can make ones day easier by sticking in an early break for the companys benefit, only to have a later break for my benefit.
Not really sure what they’d expect you to do if a hold up somewhere meant you running over your time to reach one of their depots to have a break.
To be honest I wouldn’t like to be dictated to in that manner so would seek alternative employment. But that’s me.
the maoster:
then I live in the real world where sometimes one can make ones day easier by sticking in an early break for the companys benefit, only to have a later break for my benefit.
To be honest I wouldn’t like to be dictated to in that manner so would seek alternative employment. But that’s me.
+1
Basically they can request you to take your breaks where ever “leagal tacho times” … esp if high value loads etc are carried, there is no rules saying a driver can take a break where he likes!! but again there is no rule saying a employer can tell you to take a break were they want you to either… unless writen in contracts of employment or if it is all ready company practise to do this ,
You left euro work because the pay was poor?
Do you want to work for nothing?
The agency WILL dock you your break, so if you have a break whislt loading / unloading, you’re not going to be paid for at least 45 mins of that.
Upto you, but I’d tell them that I’m docked my break, so I’ll take it.
BUT, as others have said, specialist or high value loads, I can understand them insisting you have your break in 1 of their yards, but once the tacho goes on break, do 1 and get something to eat, drink, go for a crap etc.
If you need to stop anywhere else on route, for a pee or whatever, just make 100% sure the loads as secure as possible.
when I did work for M&S out of enfield they insisted that you take a break in there yard however not when loading unloading and they supplied a staff canteen that did good food and a place to sit away from the truck but then again it was DHL contract and they offered a decent place for the drivers out of that yard.
discoman:
when I did work for M&S out of enfield they insisted that you take a break in there yard however not when loading unloading and they supplied a staff canteen that did good food and a place to sit away from the truck but then again it was DHL contract and they offered a decent place for the drivers out of that yard.
M&S in Rochdale?
I did TKMaxx out of the same yard. Yes, the canteen in there was very good and excellent prices
Don’t get what you mean how does leaving a job with crap wages make me want to work for free ? I’ve got a job lined up but am on agency till it starts
Cant see any issue with that, they’ve offered you a job and told you how they’d like it to be done. You will be use to doing the job how you like but dont all companies let drivers operate like that so you either accept it or find an alternative.
fozzie:
Don’t get what you mean how does leaving a job with crap wages make me want to work for free ? I’ve got a job lined up but am on agency till it starts
I explained in the quote.
The agency WILL be docking you at least 45 mins for your break, so if you take your breaks whilst unloading / loading, you’re effectively working 45mins a day for nowt.
The agency WILL be docking you at least 45 mins for your break, so if you take your breaks whilst unloading / loading, you’re effectively working 45mins a day for nowt.
I don’t think that the suggestion was that he tip on break, more that he takes his break whilst the vehicle is tipped by bank/warehouse staff etc.
Can’t see anything wrong with that. my last company had the same rules for some depots.
Sorry wayne I read it wrong I get what you mean I’ve refused to do it when they tell me too because the plaves they tip expect me to either open curtains and stuff while on break or get in back and pump the pallets off
When trunking between South Elmsall and South Ockenden for Next they used to like you to take your break in the depot, I didn’t have a problem with this as i got to sit in nice big brown leather settees watching tv eating my dinner in a clean non rocking from side to side at the side of a road kind of way. Yes they were tipping my lorry at the time and yes I could have got an extra 45minutes in if i took my break out on the road but in the grand scheme of things an extra 45minutes or be back home is a no brainer!!
fozzie:
Sorry wayne I read it wrong I get what you mean I’ve refused to do it when they tell me too because the places they tip expect me to either open curtains and stuff while on break or get in back and pump the pallets off
If they get funny about it ask for it in writing, then walk away and send it to VOSA. Scumbags like that have no right to be in the transport industry.
I can’t see the problem of the company telling you when to take your breaks, it’s safer for the load and safer for you to take them in the yard. There’s nothing illegal about it, if your having to get out and do the curtains etc. then put it on other work then when you get back in your cab put it back on break. There must be loads of jobs out there where the employer tells you where and when to take a break.
He who pays the piper calls the tune.
The company may have a valid reason to suggest where you take your breaks. Such as, high value loads, vehicle security.
I don’t see it as a problem myself, as long as you don’t have to do any work during your break.
Another thought that crossed my mind, there is a house of pleasure in my street, on my rest days I see a number of clients visiting, including lorry drivers, perhaps that company wants to avoid similar situations.
I see a number of clients visiting, including lorry drivers
breaks: drivers must be allowed to spend their time as they wish 
so how would you set the tacho for this, POA, break, other duty, or “on the job” 
That would depend on which services are being provided at the time.
By the way, if you mention my username, you will get 10% discount. 
you can have a break on bay aslong as not involved with tipping. when i spoke to vosa bloke about this his reply was aslong as you aint working and you can scratch your nuts for 15,30 or 45 which ever break your wanting then your free to do so aslong as shows work where you need it ie moving curtains etc then back in cab on break for 15 then work and off you go. i do this keep my times down but also make sure have a decent pit stop for some grub when need through day. as when i have break in cab getting tipped i make sure i have the kettle on for coffee but if at any time im asked to get out cab to do paper work or move a strap it goes back to the hammers.
as for being told to have a break in a yard at there request has never happened yet but wouldnt bother me as have every thing i need in cab
the mcburneys drivers reckon VOSA are ok with you taking a break while the vehicle is being loaded/unloaded providing they are permitted access to a rest area or canteen. sitting in the cab isnt good enough even though it is when you are in a layby so whats the difference as long as you have your feet up for 45 minutes? 