JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN PARCELFORCE WORLDWIDE AND THE CWU ON THE INTRODUCTION OF DRIVER BUDDIES
Much like other areas of RMG, Parcelforce have been experiencing issues with regard to attracting new employees in what is an extremely competitive market place. Even where the company is able to attract new drivers there have been issues relating to retention with some new recruits deciding to leave shortly after being employed.
Given this, the Table of Success, Transport Working Group (TWG) has been looking at initiatives which could improve the on-boarding experience for new recruits and provide additional support for new entrants on a peer to peer basis.
Discussions have now concluded with a Joint Statement on a “Driver Buddie” scheme to provide a further opportunity for a new recruit to be supported by an experienced colleague after the initial induction training has been completed. This Joint Statement has now been endorsed by the Postal Executive and is attached for the information of Branches.
As with most parcel carriers the on the road aspect of the job is the simplest, however the Under the Roof (UTR) activity, including vehicle prep, loading and in particular the various options now available with regard to route setting (REX) can be daunting and additional one to one support could be extremely beneficial in assisting new employees to familiarise themselves with the necessary processes.
Driver Buddies will be volunteers and adjustments will be made to their daily workload to ensure that they are not disadvantaged where they agree to support a colleague. Participating will have no impact on earning packages including allowances or Scheduled Attendance. Driver Buddies would be on hand to meet the new recruit and answer questions or provide guidance.
Volunteers will be sought in each depot and more than one Buddy position may be deployed especially in high recruitment areas.
In the view of the TWG and the department this development may provide invaluable support for new recruits and make the early experience in the Depot more rewarding.
The department would ask that the contents of this LTB are brought to the attention of PFW Representatives and members.
Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 116.01.
Yours sincerely
Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary
JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN PARCELFORCE WORLDWIDE AND THE CWU ON THE INTRODUCTION OF DRIVER BUDDIES
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 
Leave a Reply