Coronavirus: Red urges delivery companies not to ignore driver training

Red Driver Training is urging delivery companies not to overlook the importance of driver training as they recruit thousands of new employees to cope with demand during the coronavirus pandemic.

Supermarkets and online retailers are being swamped with orders as people look to adapt to Government guidelines to minimise all unnecessary travel, as well as the closure of the majority of High Street shops.

This has seen these retailers look to appoint thousands of new staff to meet demand, but Red Driver Training is urging them not to prioritise getting them on the road ahead of safety and their legal duty of care to any employee who drives on company business.

Ian McIntosh, CEO of Red Driving School, said: “Now is not the time for businesses to cut corners.

“Customer service teams are under more pressure than ever, but that is no excuse for employers to send untrained drivers on to the road and neglect their duty of care.

“A comprehensive fleet driver training programme is vital to ensure drivers are safe and efficient.

“Furthermore, well-trained drivers reduce insurance premiums and maintenance costs.”

Red Driver Training said online fleet driver training programmes give companies the tools necessary to effectively assess their drivers and ensure they are safe to drive on UK roads.

It said e-learning modules can be used for new recruits as part of the induction process, as well as for existing employees who have been redeployed, and can be completed from home.

For the latest fleet advice on coronavirus from Commercial Fleet, click here.

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