job dilemma

[colli]

Hi guys i have a nice dilemma for a change
here goes

i am an hgv driver for a local company that pays well and looks after their drivers. (day work)

we have had a takeover from an investment company, good or bad I am unsure as yet.

my current role is relief driver so i cover holidays sickness long term absence etc

for those in the transport industry this involves roll on/offs, skips, grab lorries and tippers

as a relief driver i get paid the rate i drive ie tipper rate £11ph grab £11.37ph skip £11.44ph roro £12ph
if no work I have to attend yard for 9 hrs at lower (tipper) rate.

skip job has become available, and every other sat i work skips on overtime (48 hr working time directive restricts every saturdays)income is around £1000+ per fortnight.

relief driver can be £800 - £1100

2 of us going for the job, I have experience and qualifications and 95% sure I will get the job

The other driver has 2 days experience but the spanner is..

my transport boss has now offered the higher rate to stay as relief driver, as he "would find it harder to replace me as a relief with all tickets required to do all other jobs" (we have three relief drivers per yard but i am 1 of 2 that can drive everything

My dilemma is carrying all my gear and sometimes driving to a different depot to drive a lorry (get paid driving time with a pool vehicle, so no issue) but 50% of my time will be sat in a mess room (just in case)

or 

have my own truck and have all gear stowed and ready to work normal times 
(i am also prepared to cover other jobs if required)


not sure if this is well explained but can i have your thoughts please

[Lee]

Try researching the company doing the take over
Check the companies they own and check the staff reviews

Then try and gauge if you will have a future as a relief driver or full time
Can they save money by reducing staff positions like the relief and boost their profits

[colli]

done the research, and the company seem legit, they buy, invest and sell the company at a later date. However investment has been slow and unsure as to whether they'll split the company to sell on later but tupe reg's will ensure current terms and conditions are met.
It was implied that a relief driver is more indispensable as we would be more versatile
they could reduce the staff but they would end up with lorries stood up and not earning.

I was thinking as to go to the skip job and higher rate but be able to do relief work if required but i think they may want one or the other

makes a change having a fairly positive issue to think about