Gist keeps it in the family to maximise workforce
Supply chain expert Gist is responding to the growing national driver shortage with an unusual initiative which sees warehouse staff take on another skill.
Gist’s Stand in Driver (SID) scheme funds the training of warehouse operatives through their Class 2 LGV licence enabling them to drive rigid vehicles. Those in the scheme are then able to go on and complete the Class 1 LGV test for the use of articulated vehicles. The SIDs split their time between the warehouse and driving and spend a minimum of two weeks out of every nine on the road in order to maintain their skill levels.
Extra workforce for seasonal peaks would usually be supplemented with agency drivers but the driver shortage has meant that flexible agency resource is increasingly hard to find. With the application of the working time directive threatening to make this situation worse, Gist has looked to the SID scheme as an alternative form of flexible employment. One of the major benefits of the scheme is that peak times of the year can now be covered by members of the workforce who already have an in-depth knowledge of the company.
Michael Chambers, account director for M&S Foods at Gist says, “The SID scheme is a great way of improving the skill levels of our workforce while maintaining the flexibility to give our clients the best service possible. We have a pre-selection process which ensures those best suited for the role go through and as a result we have a very high success rate.”
“The increase of convenience stores has resulted in more rigid vehicle deliveries to inner city sites. This demand can be met by those who have gained their Class 2 LGV licence through the SID scheme. We expect the number of people in the scheme to increase year on year.”
Michelle Windiate, SID scheme trainee at the Thatcham depot says, “This scheme is a great idea and gives me the best of both worlds. It has given me all the training I need to get my LGV licence without having to change job roles permanently. My job has more variety as I can work in the warehouse or do some driving when it’s needed.”
Continued.... 2.
Gist keeps it in the family... 2
The change in industry resource levels has increased the scheme’s importance. It is estimated that between 50,000 and 80,000 new recruits will be needed across the entire transport industry over the next 2 years to keep up with demand*. The Gist scheme is run out of Gist’s Crewe, Hemel Hempstead and Thatcham sites.
-ends-
Notes to editors
Gist combines leading edge experience and expertise to transform supply chains through intelligent application of innovative leading edge technology, unique solutions tailored to customers’ strategies, managing change and embracing and enhancing the supply chain proposition. With industry specific experience, expertise and excellence, Gist’s solutions bring end-to-end visibility and implementation, from concept to delivery.
Gist, based in the United Kingdom, has its head office at Basingstoke in Hampshire. However, Gist’s 4,500 employees operate out of 28 locations, providing a full range of intellectual and asset-based business offering in the UK, continental Europe, Asia, Australasia and North America.
Gist’s customers (including Ocado, Marks & Spencer, British Airways, Carlsberg UK and Budgens) operate in a wide range of commercial and industrial sectors, including grocery, electronics, apparel and gas.
As part of the BOC Group, which serves two million customers in more than 50 countries, Gist also benefits from BOC’s global capability, synergy and scale.
To find out more about Gist, for photography or to arrange an interview with the Gist team please contact the Gist press office:
Michele Mervin
Tel: 01256 891111
Fax: 01256 891122
Email: Michele.mervin@gistworld.com
* Information supplied by the Freight Transport Association
