IMPACT has submitted a claim for an employment control framework to introduce standardisation of pay and working conditions for ministerial drivers employed by the civil service.

Drivers’ contracts are currently agreed within guidelines issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). But the guidelines are not followed consistently by all departments, which leads to variations in pay and other payments. The union says issues have also arisen over working hours, rest periods, holidays and the payment of a Sunday premium.

IMPACT national secretary Andy Pike said there was also confusion surrounding claims for subsistence in exceptional circumstances. “IMPACT wants a clear and unambiguous employment control framework to address the current inconsistencies, and to bring clarity to all sides on the role, entitlements and accompanying terms and conditions of ministerial drivers,” he said.