NPHTA NEWS BOARD MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS
This month we welcome an addition to the NPHTA column from Stephen Anderson, who is the secretary of ALPHA (Sheffield) of which NPHTA Board member Lee Ward is chair. Stephen brings us the driver’s angle on so many of the issues that are dominant in the trade today, the main one being a certain virus:
My name is Stephen Anderson and I’m the secretary of ALPHA (Sheffield) (Member of NPHTA) I’ve been observing, as many of us have, how the Covid-19 pandemic has been affecting our trade but also the worrying issues that are having an effect on the drivers whilst staying at home. The forecast is rather gloomy to say the least, and with- out wanting to be sounding too negative, I can’t see much chance for the trade throughout the rest of the year in terms of getting back to normality.
However, let’s look at some of the positive aspects of my observations during the period of March to the end of May, and what has been achieved for the operators and help for the drivers in which we have been involved as an Association.
• SCHOOL CONTRACTS: We have been active along with other unions and associations in achieving continuous payments to operators from local councils so that drivers still receive payments and continuity for survival for those businesses. (Rotherham – Sheffield – Doncaster – Barnsley)
• SAFEGUARDING DRIVERS: ALPHA has been very active in looking at ways to safeguard drivers and create the confidence that drivers desperately need whilst wanting to undertake their job roles; these consist of PPE and protective screen covers and advice on personal hygiene and vehicle cleanliness.
We have sourced many outlets for PPE and found that Safe Systems CCTV Ltd has sourced and is providing quality affordable face masks - and of course they have the ability to supply. (See website for details)
https://www.safesystemscctv.co.uk/
Protective screen covers have been a particular conundrum as they have to meet a criteria for the respective licensing authorities to accept (not approve) as most councils are working from home and at present can’t inspect at first hand. That said, we have searched hard for the drivers who have asked us to do so; here is a list of those suppliers.
1. Car & Cab Care -
https://www.facebook.com/carandcabcare/ We have looked at this product and it has been mentioned before in PHTM, it is well made using quality materials and is built to last with all round protection.
2. C&L Covers-
https://clcovers.co.uk/ Again this product passes with flying colours.
Whilst we are making drivers aware of products to purchase, ultimately the choice is down to them and we maintain that we only look for quality; the prices reflect this.
From a personal point of view, the way I see Rotherham MBC’s input: their role during this pandemic has in my opinion been very commendable by keeping us informed on a regular basis, which includes corporate transport right down to the Licens- ing Manager.
Finishing off, I mentioned about my own observations on “worrying” issues (I can’t state mental impact can I?). I hope the recent Government’s second Self-Employed Scheme cash injection helps drivers face some of those problems whilst staying at home. It isn’t easy as we all know, but sooner or later this will come to an end. Please, stay safe and we wish you well.
Kind regards Stephen
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www.alphasheffield.org #ALPHA JUNE 2020
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