Hi all,
I am currently working for a private co, the hourly rate is good but because times are quiet I can’t get the hours in!
As bills are rising, I wrote off to most firms & haulage in my area, not one reply?
I am now 50 but have another 17 yrs to work, if I’m lucky. Drivers seem to be getting younger, one came in to our place today & he was 22 drivin a unit & trailer. He said the firm he works for set him on even though he had no experience. I passed my test at 28 & had to beg for a firm to give me a trial!!!
Am I over the hill to employers? I have 22 yrs experience but can’t seem to get out of present job. I even e-mailed Stobbies!!!
Does anyone else on this site have the same problem?
Unfortunatly most firms are laying off drivers more than taking them on, especially coming towards the xmas they dont want to pay holiday pay. id leave it till end of Jan/ Feb then start looking. at the end of the day id just be glad your still working. Most firms dont know whats going to happen in the next few months so its easier just to get agency staff in than employ someone full time.
Good luck anyway ive been looking for work for the past 3 weeks and not 1 bite. Im running a burger van so still earning I suppose. cant wait to get back driving but gonna have to wait I think…
Never thought id hear myself say I cant wait to get back driving.
daf1691:
Hi all,
I am currently working for a private co, the hourly rate is good but because times are quiet I can’t get the hours in!
As bills are rising, I wrote off to most firms & haulage in my area, not one reply?
I am now 50 but have another 17 yrs to work, if I’m lucky. Drivers seem to be getting younger, one came in to our place today & he was 22 drivin a unit & trailer. He said the firm he works for set him on even though he had no experience. I passed my test at 28 & had to beg for a firm to give me a trial!!!
Am I over the hill to employers? I have 22 yrs experience but can’t seem to get out of present job. I even e-mailed Stobbies!!!
Does anyone else on this site have the same problem?
DAF.
Once you pass 50, in the eyes of many employers, you are no longer capable of being able to do a days work. This appears to be the experience of many. The move of the retirement age will do nothing to help those that cannot find work at a lower age.
Age discrimination laws do absolutely nothing to address this problem.
My DCPC qualification will do me til 2019 when i will be 67 … then i intend to stop driving these bleeding trucks,will i then need a special licence or any further training to gather up and push supermarket trollies ■■ anyone know what the money’s like ■■?
from experience my advice would be to pack it in before you hit 60 . i lost my hgv at 62 ( heart disease) but the pension adviser said i would get a good state pension at 65 . i did , but at the end of the year i get a bill for £400 income tax ( £ 8 per week ). if you go to sign on above the age of 60 , they don’t want to know , just refer you to pension credit , it keeps the unemployed figures down , the whole system is (zb)
daf1691:
Drivers seem to be getting younger, one came in to our place today & he was 22 drivin a unit & trailer. He said the firm he works for set him on even though he had no experience.
Well I read that and thought bloody good show! About time, this industry needs more young drivers.
Anyhow 50 isn’t old these days. It’s just luck of the draw half the time.
rigsby:
from experience my advice would be to pack it in before you hit 60 . i lost my hgv at 62 ( heart disease) but the pension adviser said i would get a good state pension at 65 . i did , but at the end of the year i get a bill for £400 income tax ( £ 8 per week ). if you go to sign on above the age of 60 , they don’t want to know , just refer you to pension credit , it keeps the unemployed figures down , the whole system is (zb)
What is this “pension credit” above age 60 please?
pension credit tops up your old age pension, my mum used to get it, but i think it is means tested, sorry i cant help more as she has passed over now, and if you ask anyone in authority they know nothing find yourself a local doley they will explain for a bung.
if you go to sign on above the age of 60 , they don’t want to know , just refer you to pension credit , it keeps the unemployed figures down , the whole system is (zb)
Too true, and if you have been a bit prudent and have some savings…its reduced by the amount you have on a sliding scale.
If you have (I think) £16000 or over in savings you will get nowt!
daf1691:
Hi all,
I am currently working for a private co, the hourly rate is good but because times are quiet I can’t get the hours in!
As bills are rising, I wrote off to most firms & haulage in my area, not one reply?
I am now 50 but have another 17 yrs to work, if I’m lucky. Drivers seem to be getting younger, one came in to our place today & he was 22 drivin a unit & trailer. He said the firm he works for set him on even though he had no experience. I passed my test at 28 & had to beg for a firm to give me a trial!!!
Am I over the hill to employers? I have 22 yrs experience but can’t seem to get out of present job. I even e-mailed Stobbies!!!
Does anyone else on this site have the same problem?
DAF.
Dont email Go there,hit with the Fist on the Desk to get atention.Give em your bank details and tell em you are now driving for em Just try it.The reaction couldnt be more frustratin the emailing em
stevtel:
Unfortunatly most firms are laying off drivers more than taking them on, especially coming towards the xmas they dont want to pay holiday pay. id leave it till end of Jan/ Feb then start looking. at the end of the day id just be glad your still working. Most firms dont know whats going to happen in the next few months so its easier just to get agency staff in than employ someone full time.
i rely though this time of year was supposed to be busy for agency work
it appears not
I’ve had a reply from Stobarts,for a speculative inquiry I made. Said someone would get in contact soon. Has anyone on here had a reply. I gather it will be a driving assessment & written test? The letter came from Widnes, does anyone know how many depots they have in the North West?
I’ve had a reply from Stobarts,for a speculative inquiry I made. Said someone would get in contact soon. Has anyone on here had a reply. I gather it will be a driving assessment & written test? The letter came from Widnes, does anyone know how many depots they have in the North West?
Daf.
Hi Daf! Depots in Appleton Thorn (HQ) Widnes (Tesco) also have wagons based at SCA Trafford Park! And Gelderd road Warrington for International and specialist fleet! (Walking Floor and Chipliner trailers for Biomass)
Good Luck with your hunt mate!
Go there,hit with the Fist on the Desk to get atention.Give em your bank details and tell em you are now driving for em
Just try it.The reaction couldnt be more frustratin the emailing em
And Luke has his own reasons for young truckers.