CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > February 2025 51 LEGAL: 2 Angela Rayner MP Meeting at John Sutch Cranes A meeting was arranged by Hayley Sutch and Paul Parry of John Sutch Cranes, with their local MP, Angela Rayner, which took place on 15th November 2024 at their Manchester depot in Dukinfield; of which I was invited to attend. The focus of this meeting was to highlight the ongoing difficulties which they, and industry faces, with inconsistent policing, which has been attributed by the differing interpretations of the 2010 Guidance document for Abnormal Loads – which has been updated by NPCC (as per their meeting of 6th November) - and the impact of the Special Types (General Order) (STGO) 2003 Regulations. During the 30 minute meeting, both Paul and Hayley conveyed the negative financial impact that this policing issue was having on their business, and to the wider industry. They also highlighted the need for both the 2010 Guidance, and the 2003 Regulations to be reviewed and updated to reflect current industry needs. Ms Rayner appreciated the point. Although there was an admission by Ms Rayner that this issue was not within her Governmental remit, she advised she would welcome written submissions from both John Sutch Cranes and the CPA. Since that meeting, we have written to the Transport Minister Heidi Alexander, which includes suggested amendments to the STGO Regulations. When we receive further information on this subject, then members will be informed. Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) Reforms On 3rd December 2024, reforms to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) came into effect. The following changes apply: • introducing a National Driver CPC that will cover driving a lorry, bus, or coach in the UK. • allowing training courses to be done in blocks of 3.5 hours, rather than the previous 7 hours, to allow greater flexibility • decoupling e-learning from trainer led courses. The guidance on how the reforms affect drivers can be found on the Gov UK website at www.gov.uk/driver-cpc-training . The measure to speed up the process for drivers to return to driving a lorry of bus coach in the UK, if their Driver CPC has expired, will come into effect from 1st February 2025. Managing Alcohol and Drug Misuse The issue of alcohol and drug misuse - possibly abuse - by some workers can have a devastating impact, not only on the individual, but also family, work colleagues, and customers. An employer has a legal duty to protect workers’ health, safety, and welfare; and so there is a need to ensure that as an employer you may need to manage that risk to colleagues, and to customers. The HSE has developed a step-by-step guidance document – which can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/alcoholdrugs/ . The guidance can assist employers on how to support workers with a drug and alcohol issue; as well as providing clarification on the law when it addresses alcohol and/or drug misuse whilst at work. The CPA’s Alcohol and Drug policy can be found within the CPA’s Employment Reference Document (ERD). A copy can be found on the CPA website at: www.cpa.uk.net/legal-insurance-plant-theft/legal/employment .