The must-not-miss IOC heads of industry round table did not disappoint the Express logistics final mile family. A masterclass of transport, with quarter of a million vans represented at table alongside two thousand apprentices. Key discussion of operators was recruitment and infrastructure. VIP guests networked at the introduction lunch, guests from DfT, DVSA, TfL and National Police integrated with national footprint operators at the Carmen transport livery hall.

The IOC heads of industry agenda was packed - from transport worker status legalities to apprenticeship education and London ULEZ zones. Fuel values and latest clean air machines from Renault and Yamaha expanded the agenda to a full masterclass of transport. Even multimodal, with a mention of the new Birmingham to Glasgow rail freight for parcel service. The transport masterclass was a big turnout. Latest worker status and strike laws, a big clean air delivery with Yamaha keynote on their new electric scooter, Renault Trucks update on their cargo bike set to arrive in November.

The transport masterclass included launch of a new road safety and wellbeing group. For education, there was an update on the first express manger degree apprenticeship and fellows were challenged with a degree-level question competition on final mile definitions.

Special guests included: Phil Martin DfT, Elizabeth Heaton and Charles Wright DVSA and City of London Police to review mail theft.

Carl Lomas, Inst of Couriers, introductions – This week is Apprenticeship Week, we have over two thousand enrolments on the Express delivery operative L2 apprenticeships.’ Get ready we are about to set fellows here a test question challenge from the new express manager degree apprenticeship, ‘lets talk definition of final mile.’

IOC CEO, Dr Tracey Worth outlined the state of the Institute, strong sub-groups with access and engagement remain meeting virtually. Today we launch a new road safety group, meeting March 9. Education Trailblazer group meets March 7th. Next Security group is April 11th. The big date for your diary is Fellows gowning March 3rd – For later in the year, HRH The Princess Royal has been invited to National Courier Awards at the new Drapers Hall venue Oct 17th

Melanie Stancliffe Worker status update ‘The strikes’

I can draft beautiful contracts but they must match the reality.

‘Govt has employment law changes on the horizon.’

One of the foremost expert lawyers in transport express logistics sector delivered another focused keynote to the sector at the recent Inst of Couriers Heads of Industry round table. Transport branding to control and worker status with case study views from Table Tennis workers to Football referees. Their influence on how we work in transport.

Melanie Stancliffe of Cripps & Co, ‘In the last few years we have had a number of cases. A look through the lens of Govt guidance on branded workers, you must think very carefully. Melanie expanded to current trends in the sector, strikes, tax & NIS, fire and re-hire. Consultation on holiday pay, flexible working, EU-inspired laws. ‘Think about minimum levels of service affected by strikes. Anti strike legislation, if a union induces people to withdraw their labour you will be in a position to challenge.’ ‘Employment law changes are on the horizon.’ Discussions followed on additional rate of income tax coming down to 125k. Tax up to 25%. The govt does not want companies to behave like P&O. Heads-up for the future. Part year on holiday pay issues mentioned. Flexible working, requirement for employers to consult with employee. (Two requests in any twelve months.) Employee does not have to explain the effect of the change.

Case studies, Table tennis worker example of blowing the whistle issues. Dentist, discrimination protection. Recently rectified in the Appeal Court. CIS contractor, tax does not lead the way. Transfers TUPE rules, any employee with a share or bonus scheme has the right to the same scheme with the new employer, the rights transfer. Upcoming case – Football referees, they have become recognised as employees. There are elements of control, they should be paying tax?