Recruitment firm Relay has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in a bid to reinvent the concept of 'agency drivers'.

The Bradford recruitment company's new Logistics Division has been set up to address the problems associated with contract staff.

Relay has taken the unusual step of assembling a squad of experienced, salaried and uniformed drivers.

Head of Logistics, Paul Brennan, explained why. "The agency driver has a poor image," he said. "Traditionally, contract and temporary drivers react to how they are treated and, under-valued, tend not to be too interested in adding value to a client's operation.

"The same driver is rarely seen twice and so no relationship or knowledge of client companies accrues. We want to change that, and our drivers have been trained specifically to support modern fleet and supply chain management, build relationships and to be aware that their behaviour must only positively impact on the reputation of clients."

Based in Salem Street, near Bradford city centre, Relay's drivers are paid annual leave and receive a basic salary - unheard of in most other agencies.

Entry requirements are demanding, though - drivers must be at least 25, with a minimum of five years' commercial driving experience, and with no more than three points on their licence.

After being recruited they have to complete the firm's own exacting Customer Service training course.

Relay hopes that by offering continuity and accountability to its clients through its drivers, it will bring about a sea-change in agency's driving services.