Commercial drivers win the right to spend a penny

The deal secured by the union means that employers in control of non-domestic premises are now obliged to allow people who are not their employees use their premises to access toilets and washing facilities.

Unite says that the change in the regulations is a result of its campaign to end the problem of drivers having to go to the toilet behind bushes, or have to continually ‘hold on’ due to being denied access to toilet facilities.

According to the union, having to continually hold on to use a toilet has wide ranging health implications which include: urinary tract infections, damage to the bladder and the bowel, and can cause toxins to build up in the body. 

Women drivers have additional requirements to have access to toilets and face the additional risk of developing infections if they are denied such access.
 
The requirement to give access to toilets and washing facilities also means that drivers can ensure that their hands are clean and hygienic. This is particularly important if drivers are making food deliveries.

Unite national officer Adrian Jones said: “Finally drivers have won the right to access toilet facilities when making deliveries. This reform would not have occurred without Unite’s continued campaigning on this matter.
 
“This change in the application of the regulations is highly significant as it restores the dignity of drivers by giving them the right to use an employer’s toilet and hand washing facilities.
 
“If employers continue to refuse our members access to toilets we will pursue them through all avenues open to us and that will include naming and shaming companies that deny drivers the right to spend a penny.”