Press release: SERMI scheme off to strong start, says IGA

UK independent garages have responded enthusiastically to last week’s announcement that they will be able to access Security-related Repair and Maintenance Information (SERMI) using the same framework as their EU counterparts, thanks to agreements reached by the Independent Garage Association (IGA).

The IGA reports that garages are getting in touch in large numbers to register their interest in the scheme, which will transform the way garages and workshops access manufacturer technical information on security systems such as keys and ECU coding, by creating one central audit and certification process.

IGA Chief Executive Stuart James said: “Independent garages have a real hunger to keep up with the ever-more advanced technologies in modern vehicles, and so we have seen an extremely positive response from the sector to our news with expressions of interest flooding in.”

The scheme is available to all UK garages on an equal footing and is being delivered on a not-for-profit basis in the UK by RMI Standards and Certification. Fees have been set at a level that should be affordable for all garage businesses.

The first step for any garage wanting to register for the scheme is to obtain Basic DBS certificates for the business owner and the employee or employees who will be registered to the system.

Stuart is encouraging any garage with an interest in the scheme to get in touch now, get the ball rolling on their DBS checks, and be at the front of the queue for formal enrolment, expected to begin in late July.

He added “The hard work is now starting with the roll-out and the statutory side of getting this scheme up and running.”

“We are delighted to be able to offer something so positive for independent businesses. They will finally have a robust system for accessing security-related information. SERMI is the key to the future.”

11 July 2023

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

ABOUT THE IGA

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is the largest and most prominent trade body representing UK independent garages. They support members with the day-to-day challenges and complexities of running a garage business and offer a wealth of services, advice and resources, while ensuring that the sector’s voice is heard at Government level.

 

SERMI Q and A with Stuart James

What is SERMI about, and why is it so important to the sector?

For many years the IGA has been fighting to obtain access to manufacturers’ information, particularly manufacturers’ security technical information, to help our members to repair cars.

As technology has advanced, access to security elements within a car has become more and more difficult to obtain, for obvious reasons: – avoiding vehicle theft is very important, and manufacturers don’t want their cars stolen.

So, for the right reasons, many garages have found it difficult to carry out, in some cases, basic repairs.

This scheme is a robust solution that the IGA has been working on for many years, to find a fully-encompassing, secure solution that all parties can agree to, that will work for reputable, hardworking, honest, independent garages.

This scheme will make life a lot easier for independent operators to repair cars. We know the difficulties that garages have been experiencing for many years, this whole situation will eventually go away with this solution. This is what we’ve been working towards for many, many years.

This is safeguarding independent garages for the future.

What actions does a garage need to take to join the scheme?

It’s very simple. You need to do a basic DBS check, then you just need to prove your identity and prove that your business is working within all the regulatory constraints of running a business in the UK.

That is all the scheme requires.

It’s just good honest business.

There are some other requirements written into the SERMI Scheme, like insurance – garages will need a minimum of £1million public liability cover, and to be fair, most businesses have this anyway. There is also an emissions criteria written into the standard – garages that are carrying out ECU mapping need to be aware they are not impacting emissions restrictions.

At its heart, the SERMI scheme is very simple and clear. It is about accessing a level of security information where the theft of a vehicle could be involved, and it is about checking the integrity of the owner of the business and the vehicle technician working on the car.

Nothing more.

Over many years the waters have been a bit muddied. What we’ve done is pulled the discussion back to the basics, cleared away the distractions, and spoken directly to everybody involved to reach agreement.

How much will garages have to pay?

We’re launching on a not-for-profit basis and providing it on terms that every garage in the country should be able to afford. We’re providing it at £25 per month for a 5-year contract or licence, and this is the licence for the garage owner and one of their technicians.

The initial set up will be for the garage itself and one technician. Additional technicians can be enrolled at £75 for the full 5-year period.

Who is behind the scheme in the UK?

The company that the IGA is using to deliver the scheme in the UK is the RMI’s ISO company called RMI Standards and Certification. RMI SC will be a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) and will audit the businesses that want to take part.

Can you explain more about the SERMI system?

We have researched systems globally, we have looked at a system in the United States, however, working alongside the government and other stakeholders, the preference from them was to mirror the European SERMI scheme. This turned out to be the best option from a feasibility perspective.

The Conformity Assessment Body is governed under an ISO principle by the UK regulator and will carry out the audits on behalf of the scheme. There is a central conduit called a Trust Centre that allows the technician to access manufacturers’ security level information, and the technician will access the system directly when connected to a car.

There is also a provision in place for remote service suppliers to access the car when approved by the technician who is with the car.

Under the terms of the scheme, only the Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) – RMI SC – will hold personal information. The manufacturers will not see who is accessing their information. The conduit that takes the technician through to the manufacturers system, will not see anything apart from a name and an email address. All of the information and the access is confidential.

The Conformity Assessment Body will also be responsible for investigating any inappropriate behaviour that occurs with the information accessed, and reporting that, where appropriate, to the authorities.

What benefit will independent garages see?

If I was speaking to a member about this I’d say, “this will give you access to all vehicle manufacturers through one log-in. It will allow freedoms we’ve never seen before in the UK, to access the information needed to repair a car.

“Obviously that information has to be paid for – downloads will be costed – but that cost can be passed on to the customer and they’d have to pay that in a franchise garage as well.

“From a simplistic point of view, it means there is a future in your abilities to be able to repair a car, which has never been in place until now.”

Why has the IGA been so committed to this issue?

The IGA is part of the RMIF and a true not-for-profit trade association. We are the voice of the independent sector, and we fight the battles on behalf of that sector.

This is something which is a genuine issue for the whole independent sector, so we see it as our responsibility to find that solution.

The IGA has tirelessly worked to make this happen, and behind the scenes has engaged with all stakeholders directly. The key to this success has been our direct contact with all of the bodies involved, and the longstanding reputation of the IGA – as part of the RMI, the IGA has been owned by its members since 1913 and to this day has no commercial influences.

Are there benefits for the motorist as well as the garage sector?

In the UK, there is “right to repair” legislation, that says the manufacturer must provide the information to an independent garage, on behalf of the consumer, so the consumer has the right to take the car to any garage of their choice.

However, for the security elements of that information – there is no legislation in place for that information to be provided.

The SERMI scheme will provide clarity, choice and peace of mind for the consumer. If a consumer wishes to have anything that is linked to the security element of their car repaired in an independent garage, there is no obligation on the manufacturer to provide that information, which makes it very difficult for the consumer.

For the garage too it is difficult to know whether changing a wiper blade or even a battery is linked into a component that is on the security system, so it makes it difficult for both parties to understand whether they can fix that car or not.

This is all going to change now.

The scheme will also provide comfort for a consumer in knowing that the garage they visit has had their identity and their integrity checked, to prove that they are acting in an appropriate way.

Not just the business, but also individuals, those technicians have to undergo DBS checks, government checks – they are vetted to prove they have no recent criminal convictions, and they are not acting in an inappropriate way.

So, it’s added reassurance for a consumer.

How will you feel when the first independent garages log in to the system?

I will feel absolutely delighted – this is something that we have worked on for many, many years. It’s a huge achievement, particularly with the distraction of Brexit and many other factors.

4 July 2023

Press release: IGA unlocks security information barriers for UK independent garages

The Independent Garage Association has safeguarded the future of the UK independent garage sector by working with key stakeholders – UK government, Vehicle Manufacturers and Aftermarket Associations – to ensure that appropriately audited garage operators and their authorised employees will have access to Security-related Repair and Maintenance Information (SERMI) to the same level enjoyed by their European counterparts using the same framework as the EU SERMI scheme.

IGA will oversee the UK scheme on a not-for-profit basis, ensuring that access is affordable for all garage businesses.

The SERMI scheme is embedded in EU law and will launch on a rolling basis, country by country beginning on 1 October. The RMI’s ISO company, RMI Standards and Certification (RMISC) is also planning to launch the scheme in the UK on that date.

IGA Chief Executive Stuart James said: “After many years of negotiations over access to security-related information, progress has finally been made. The IGA has broken through the barriers to secure access to the SERMI scheme in a post-Brexit Britain.”

The solution is based around mirroring the system being delivered across Europe, and all operational delivery will adhere to the same precise rules.

The SERMI scheme will accredit vetted independent garages and their vetted employees to access manufacturer technical information on security systems such as keys and ECU coding, through one central audit and certification process.

Accredited garages will gain access to manufacturers’ security level information without the complexity of having to be accredited by each individual manufacturer.

The accreditation scheme will protect the identity of the accredited companies and individuals – whilst the individuals accessing the information will be anonymous to the manufacturers in order to protect their privacy.

Welcoming the agreement, Stuart said:

“For many years we have worked to make this solution become a reality.

“Being able to deliver this level of access on a not-for-profit basis is what a leading trade body should be doing on behalf of the sector it represents. By delivering the scheme at a price affordable to any garage business, we are safeguarding the future of the independent garage sector.

“For good, reputable garage businesses, a long-term solution to accessing vital security-related information is now here. We are inviting any garage interested in taking part in the scheme to get in touch with the IGA to register their interest.”

ABOUT THE IGA

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is the largest and most prominent trade body representing UK independent garages. They support members with the day-to-day challenges and complexities of running a garage business and offer a wealth of services, advice and resources, while ensuring that the sector’s voice is heard at Government level.

 

New fundraising initiatives from Ben

Automotive industry charity Ben has announced plans for two fun events in the autumn which they hope will raise vital funds to help their work in support of those who are struggling or in crisis.

All members of the automotive community are invited to take part in the ‘Benathlon’ in September or host a ‘Ben’s Big Breakfast’ in October.

Benathlon runs twice a year and aims to improve participants’ mental and physical health while also fundraising to support automotive colleagues to get back on track.

The first Benathlon took place in March with 130 participants walking, cycling, running, swimming, horse riding or skipping a 1,283 mile circuit which started and finished at Ben’s Headquarters near Ascot.

This autumn’s event challenges supporters to exercise for 30 minutes a day each of the 30 days of September, and pledge £30 to Ben.

Ben’s Big Breakfast is in its third year, running from 9th-15th October. Automotive industry companies are invited to host a breakfast – the most important meal of the day! – to fundraise for Ben.

158 companies took part in last year’s Ben’s Big Breakfast and the charity hopes for this year to be even bigger and better.

Click here to take on Benathlon
Click here and get eggcited for Ben’s Big Breakfast

Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “Demand for Ben’s support services has reached new highs due to the cost-of-living crisis. Without your support we can’t continue to support the increasing demand.”

How Ben can help you

Ben is the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, providing support for life for them and their family dependents. They work with people to improve their lives by enhancing their health and wellbeing through its free and confidential online self-help, helpline and support services.

Visit ben.org.uk, chat with them online here or call their helpline on 08081 311 333.

The risks of being both underinsured and uninsured – advice from Allianz

The cost of living is at an all-time high and as a result the IGA’s exclusive insurance partner Allianz is seeing evidence of businesses either reducing their cover, or cutting it completely.

BIBA’s 2023 Manifesto states that in the past year, 51% of businesses have stopped buying at least one insurance cover and research from Allianz’s recent survey 1 has found that one in five (19%) of SMEs have reduced their insurance cover over the past 12 months.

All businesses are open to risk if they don’t have the correct level of insurance for their needs, and some, more than others, may be at risk of financial hardship as a result of being either underinsured or uninsured. In this feature Allianz discusses the risks of both.

Uninsured

An uninsured business is one that’s not insured at all against a particular eventuality. As not all insurance is a legal requirement, businesses may sometimes choose not to insure themselves against many of the risks that they could be exposed to, leaving them in a vulnerable position.

Why might businesses be uninsured?

Due to the UK’s challenging economic climate, it can be tempting for businesses to try and reduce their overheads by cutting back on insurance. For example, businesses might decide to avoid paying insurance premiums by cancelling, or not taking out, cover for some areas. There is no law that requires a business to have public liability insurance for example; however without it, a business is at risk of not being able to pay compensation should a member of the public claim that they’ve been injured, or their property damaged, because of the business’s activities.

Some businesses may be uninsured because they don’t realise that they need a particular type of insurance or are unaware of the risks they are exposed to by not having the correct insurance in place.

Underinsurance

With the rising cost of living and high inflation, a lower cost policy might seem attractive as the business owner pays less each month in insurance premiums. But, if the policy leaves them exposed to risk by being underinsured, then the loss arising from a claim may be far more than any savings they may have made on premiums.

Underinsurance occurs when a business doesn’t have adequate cover in place. The business may have an appropriate policy, but the limits don’t provide enough cover for the event that it wants to be insured against, consequently, the business is underinsured for its needs. This can have severe consequences in the event of a loss.

Often businesses end up being underinsured without even realising. For example, a construction company might have a business interruption insurance policy in place, but events such as Brexit and the conflict in Ukraine could mean that it takes longer for the business to resume normal operations – in which case the policy that the business has may no longer provide enough cover.

Inflation, recession and labour shortages, as well as supply chain delays, all have an impact on a business’s insurance cover because the cost to replace tools, machinery and other physical assets might increase, or take longer to manufacture due to a shortage of parts. This may mean that the policy that covers them would need updating to take these into account.

Business needs can also change. For example, revenue might increase; the terms of reference might change; or the business could switch from being privately to publicly owned. If changes like these occur, the business’s financial lines insurance, which covers financial loss and the costs involved with this, will need to be reviewed and updated.

Where a business is underinsured some insurers might apply the average clause. This means that if the insurer finds the business hasn’t taken out adequate insurance, it can reduce the settlement by the same percentage.

For example -the insured has an annual turnover of £1 million, with £600,000 gross profit. They took out a business interruption policy, with a sum insured in line with the £600,000 gross profit. The policy, however, is written on a 24 month indemnity period – meaning that the sum insured applies across two years. The means that they are only 50% covered and if the business suffered a loss and made a claim for £200,000 to cover the four months it was unable to operate the insured would only receive £100,000 as the average clause would be applied.

If an insurer believes a policyholder’s sums insured has been deliberately understated, it’s within its rights to void the policy altogether. Under the Insurance Act 2015, policyholders have a duty of fair presentation of risk, which requires them to disclose every material circumstance they know or should know.

What are the risks of being uninsured or under-insured?

All businesses are vulnerable if they are either uninsured or underinsured, but some businesses are more affected than others. Property, construction and SMEs are more at risk of serious financial hardship as a result of being uninsured or underinsured due to the size and nature of these businesses.

External factors like economic turmoil, climate change, global pandemics and changes in government policy all have an impact on the costs and availability of materials, delivery timescales and labour. If businesses aren’t insured against disruption to supply chains or financial losses as a result of business disruption, they could find themselves liable for huge financial sums which they’ll have to cover.

Without the correct level of business insurance, a business will have to pay for any compensation claims itself to cover the cost of replacement, such as tools and equipment, stock, repair of premises etc. These unforeseen costs could be catastrophic, especially for smaller business.

It’s also the case that some trading authorities and other organisations might require a company to have a certain level of insurance for a particular area in order to work with them, and so not having insurance in place could mean that the company fails to secure new business opportunities.

Regardless of the type of business, all businesses should review their insurance annually, or at any time there is a significant change to their business, including their financial lines cover, to ensure they’re not at risk.

Brokers play a key role in not only helping their customers understand what their sums insured and indemnity periods should be, but also in explaining the wider benefits insurance can offer, beyond just financial protection. This might include expert advice or securing alternative premises, depending on the policy.

Tips from Allianz for working with your insurance broker to avoid being underinsured 

  • Ask your broker to help correctly calculate the amount of insurance cover you need, taking into account any seasonal changes over the course of the year – e.g. any increases of stock
  • Ask your broker to explain any technical terms they are using, such as ‘limit of indemnity.’
  • Ask for advice on selecting an appropriate indemnity period for business interruption cover
  • Make an appointment to review your policies annually with your broker

[1] OnePoll surveyed decision makers at UK SMEs (one to 249 employees). Between 23 and 28 February, 500 respondents answered the online survey.

Allianz Insurance has been the RMI’s exclusive insurance partner for over 25 years and have a bespoke RMI and Allianz offering for members known as the Motor Trade RMI product. 

Find out more about this exclusive member offer here, or call the IGA Member Helpline on 01788 225 908 for more information.

 

Updates from DVSA – MOT guidance

The DVSA has published two collections of information relevant to members who carry out MOTs – “Being an MOT Tester” and “Running an MOT Centre”

The information on the pages is not new but the collections gather a range of official guidance, forms and documents into one place, making it easier to read or bookmark for later.

Topics included in the Running an MOT centre collection are:

  • Set up an MOT centre
  • MOT testing and IT equipment
  • Buy MOT slots
  • Record MOT test results
  • Manage testing standards at your MOT centre
  • Display posters in your MOT centre
  • Close your MOT centre
  • Stay up to date

Topics gathered in Being an MOT tester are:

  • Qualify as an MOT tester
  • Record MOT test results
  • Check the guidance on testing
  • Take annual training and assessment
  • Stay up to date

For training on all aspects of MOTs, visit the RMI Academy of Automotive Skills. Many of the courses are offered at preferential rates to IGA members.

Be Aware – July 2023

This month, the IGA Legal Team provides an update on challenges to sales commission claims,  discusses indirect discrimination, and highlights some aspects of the law around buying and selling cars which later turn out to be stolen.

MILS 100% Success in Sales Commission Claims

Since the 2021 FCA rule changes regarding sales commissions, a major headache for RMI members who have brokered finance agreements as part of a vehicle sale has been the extremely high number of solicitors and claims management firms seeking to prosecute civil claims for return of commissions earned during the sale of vehicle finance.

In a series of previous articles, we detailed the arguments/issues involved and provided template responses for the most common types of these claims (see NFDA newsletters 08 October 2021 and 15 October 2021). Over the last two years we have put these templates into practice for several RMI members and provided advice and assistance to members defending themselves in the Courts.

We are proud to say that to date we have not only dissuaded a number of claimants from bringing cases but also successfully defended all claims moving to litigation in which we have been involved.

There remains however a great deal of uncertainty over the issue, and despite over two years of legal argument we are still unaware of any precedent from a higher court that settles this matter once and for all.

In the absence of such a precedent all cases remain a question of fact for individual Courts to decide based on the facts and arguments presented on the day. However, it is noticeable that Courts are increasingly willing to subject claimants to rigorous testing of any claims, and with the right arguments there is a better than even chance of successful defence.

Members can greatly help themselves by maintaining copies of all documents; particularly any IDD or disclosure documents detailing which financial services are provided, what limitations apply, what fees will be paid and what commission (if any) will be paid.

Indirect Discrimination

In the case of Boohene and others v Royal Parks Ltd. the Employment Tribunal (ET) was asked to consider  a case of indirect Race discrimination. Did a tribunal err in applying too narrow a pool for comparison in an indirect discrimination claim when it included all direct employees but only one group of outsourced workers?

In the case in question, the Claimants were employed by a third party to work on its toilet and cleaning services contract with the respondent. Their minimum rates of pay were set below London Living Wage (“LLW”); this contrasted with the respondent’s direct employees, who were office-based and had a level of pay higher than LLW. The employment tribunal found that the respondent had committed to ensuring that the minimum pay of its direct employees would not fall below LLW but had decided not to accept the option of LLW as the minimum pay rate on the toilet and cleaning contract.

The Claimants brought claims of indirect race discrimination in respect of their treatment as contract workers as compared to the respondent’s direct employees. The tribunal upheld these complaints as falling within the definition of indirect discrimination under section 19 Equality Act 2010, rendered unlawful by reason of section 41. The respondent appealed.

In this case, the Respondent had a policy of paying its staff a minimum rate of the London living wage (LLW). However, when it contracted out is toilet cleaning services it decided against the option of LLW as the minimum pay rate on the toilet and cleaning contract and instead accepted a bid which was based on staff being paid lower than LLW.

The Claimants, who worked for the contractor, brought claims of indirect discrimination, arguing that applying a lower minimum level of pay to outsourced workers compared with those who were directly employed was discriminatory on the grounds of race as those who were employed by the contractor were more likely to come from black and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

The tribunal compared those who were directly employed by the Respondent and those employed by the contractor and found that it placed those from BAME backgrounds at a particular disadvantage and that it could not be justified. The tribunal upheld the complaint as definition of indirect discrimination under section 19 Equality Act 2010, (“the EqA”).

This was appealed to the Employment Appeals tribunal (EAT)

In its decision the EAT confirmed that where an employer set the terms of pay when contracting out services, then it and not the contractor makes the pay decision. It was therefore permissible to compare those employees directly employed with those employed under the contract. However, the tribunal was wrong to only consider those employees contracted to clean the toilets (who were disproportionately BAME), and should have instead considered all subcontracted employees.

In Conclusion

This case highlights that the tribunal can take a wide approach when considering who is discriminating. Employers should be very careful when setting contractual terms for any subcontractors or bidding processes, particularly where that they would not apply the same terms to their own staff.

It also highlights the importance of how groups to be compared are defined. It is not appropriate to pick and choose a group that is not truly representative. skews the results.

In some aspects this case is unusual. Not only did the employer set a beneficial policy of the LLW for its employees and then set a lower rate when contracting out services, it was unfortunate that those who were employed by the contractor were more likely to come from BAME backgrounds.

Stolen Vehicles

“I took a car in part exchange, now the police have contacted me and told me the car was stolen and have seized the vehicle.  What can I do”

You first need to know more about the allegations, particularly, was the vehicle taken without the permission of the owner or did the owner intend to sell the vehicle but were mistaken or mislead as to who the purchaser was.

Is the vehicle stolen?

Where a vehicle is taken without the permission of the owner then the thief will have no legal title to the vehicle despite having possession of it. With a few exceptions you cannot receive a better title than the person selling you the vehicle. Therefore, you have no title to the vehicle and will lose it. If you have already sold the vehicle you will have to reimburse the buyer any funds paid and you will be liable to compensation for any losses.

Did the previous owner intend to sell the vehicle?

Fraud is something different. Where the owner of a car intends to sell a vehicle and pass legal title but the payment details used are fraudulent then title to the vehicle will pass to the ‘fraudster’ unless and until the true owner takes steps to cancel the contract, e.g. by reporting it to the police etc… If you buy the vehicle during this period for a fair price and without knowledge of any fraud, then you will gain legal title to the vehicle even after the fraud is discovered. You will not have to return the car. You will also pass title to any subsequent owner should you have sold it.

The best option remains to avoid the situation where possible. If the vehicle has recently changed owners, you should satisfy yourself why it is now being sold. Sufficient identification details should be kept so that you can satisfy yourself of the identity of the person selling the car, their address and that this corresponds to the banking details and the registered owner’s details.

Conclusion

It is always difficult when cars are stolen. Who ends up with the vehicle is heavily dependent on the facts of each case. The legal situation can be complex and any advice will need to be tailored to any one situation. In the event you do get caught out, as an RMI member you have access to the RMI Legal advice line, as well as a number of industry experts for your assistance that can help to simplify the problem.

General Note

Don’t forget, this advice is general in nature and will need to be tailored to any one particular situation. As an RMI member you have access to the RMI Legal advice line, as well as a number of industry experts for your assistance. Should you find yourself in the situation above, contact us at any stage for advice and assistance as appropriate.

Motor Industry Legal Services

Motor Industry Legal Services (MILS) provides fully comprehensive legal advice and representation to UK motor retailers for one annual fee. It is the only law firm in the UK which specialises in motor law and motor trade law. MILS currently advises over 1,000 individual businesses within the sector as well as the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) and its members.

 

What’s on at the RMI Academies – July 2023

The first run of the new EV Practical Fault-finding Course, designed with the support of HEVRA, was a great success and two more dates have been scheduled in, for August and September. The course covers real-world faults that have been identified as frequently affecting EVs and is designed to boost participants’ confidence in working on these vehicles.

Build the confidence and skills of your technicians with the wide range of courses on offer at the RMI Academy of Automotive Skills’ easy-to-access locations in Southam, Runcorn, Lincoln, Winchester and Cheltenham below.

Please be advised that all course dates and availability are subject to change.

To book any course or for more information, please call 01788 538 399, or email enquiries@rmif.co.uk.

MOT Training Courses

Our automotive training provides technicians with the skills needed to become and maintain their status as an MOT Tester or MOT Manager. The RMI’s training venues also provide classroom-based Annual Training sessions on the current DVSA syllabus, allowing testers to complete their mandatory training.

MOT Tester Training – Class 4 & 7

This is a four-day course for experienced technicians who would like to become an MOT tester, plus a practical assessment which can be completed at an RMI Academy site or your business premises.

If a location is needed for the candidate to complete their DVSA VT8 demonstration test after receiving their qualification, we can arrange for this to be conducted on-site at an academy. For more information, please call 01788 225 908. Course prices start from £575 + VAT for RMI Members.

For more information about MOT Tester Training Class 4 & 7 click here.

MOT Tester Training – Class 1 & 2

This is a three-day course for experienced technicians who would like to become an MOT Tester for motorcycles. Course prices start from £575 + VAT for RMI Members.

For more information about MOT Tester Training Class 1 & 2 click here.

MOT Tester Training – Class 5

This is a one day course for qualified MOT Testers who can currently test Class 4 & 7 vehicles, who would like to become an MOT Tester for Class 5 vehicles.

For more information about MOT Tester Training Class 5 click here.

Vehicle Technician Accredited Assessment (VTAA) Level 3

This course is designed for technicians who do not hold a relevant level 3 qualification but want to become an MOT tester for class 3, 4, 5 or 7 vehicles.

The accreditation provides proof of competence and recognition of skills, allowing candidates to use this training route to become a fully qualified MOT tester. Course prices start from £630 + VAT for RMI Members.

For more information about Vehicle Technician Accredited Assessment (VTAA) Level 3 click here.

Please note this course is currently unavailable at the RMI Winchester and Lincoln Training Centres.

MOT Centre Management

This is a two-day compulsory course for prospective MOT Managers. Those who are responsible for the operations of MOT stations (e.g. site managers) will also benefit from attending. Course prices start from £395 + VAT for RMI Members.

For more information about MOT Centre Management click here.

MOT Centre Management Refresher Course

This 1-day RMISC certified course gives any AEDMs, AEDs and Site Managers the skills and information to update their knowledge to ensure they remain compliant with the DVSA’s rules and regulations. Course prices start from £195 + VAT for RMI Members.

For more information about the MOT Centre Management Refresher course click here.

MOT Annual Training

The RMI Academy is providing annual training for the 2023/24 MOT Annual Training year. The assessment pass rate is 80%, so we are advising testers to complete their training at their earliest possible convenience in case additional time is needed for retakes.

For more information about other training packages that can be completed at home or at your premises, click here to read this month’s MOT Annual Training update.

MOT Annual Training Classroom Sessions – Classes 3, 4, 5 & 7

2022/23 MOT Annual Training classroom sessions at all RMI training venues include three hours of training, an RMI workbook, access to the online assessment, and refreshments. Course prices start from £95 + VAT per candidate.

Find out more about this course here.

Enhanced Annual Training Classroom Sessions

Enhanced, full-day annual training courses are also available at RMI Academy sites to provide testers with further training beyond the minimum three hours required. This course costs £195 + VAT, and includes access to the annual assessment.

Call us today to book, or find out more here.

Technical Training Courses

Being a member of the IGA provides you and your technicians with a range of technical training opportunities. Below you can find a list of technical courses held at RMI Academy sites.

ADAS Introduction & Awareness

This half-day course provides technicians with awareness and understanding of ADAS procedures within the workplace. It covers safety features, usage of equipment and advises technicians of the various equipment manufacturers within the industry. This course costs £110 + VAT for RMI members.

For more information about ADAS Introduction & Awareness click here.

ADAS Awareness & Practical

This full-day course helps technicians to gain better knowledge of ADAS procedures and equipment, and contains a practical element where equipment will be used within a workshop setting.

The practical element is designed to help develop technicians’ pinpoint accuracy of equipment, target positioning and general operation involved within calibrating. The key topics within this course include; ADAS code of practice, Sensors, Reversing aids, Radar systems, Targets, and recalibration. This course costs £205 + VAT for RMI members.

For more information about ADAS Awareness & Practical click here.

ADAS IMI AOM 230

This 2-day, IMI accredited course is designed to ensure that the technician has the ability to calibrate Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). It demonstrates the technician’s ability to identify and correctly interpret information relating to a specific vehicle and its ADAS features to determine which method of calibration is required. This course costs £500 + VAT for RMI members.

For more information about ADAS IMI AOM 230 click here.

Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Routine Maintenance Level 2

This 2-day course covers the skills and knowledge required to work safely around a vehicle’s high and low voltage electrical system and electric drive train system, whilst carrying out repairs or maintenance. This course costs £420 + VAT for RMI members.

For more information about Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Routine Maintenance Level 2 click here.

Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3

This 3-day course covers the technology associated with the present generation of hybrid and electrically propelled vehicles. The course focuses on gaining a thorough understanding of how the electric vehicle functions and the variation of electric vehicle types currently available, and there is a strong emphasis on safe working practices. This course usually costs £630 + VAT for RMI members, but is available at a heavily subsidised rate of £250 + VAT for IGA members. Please note this subsidy ends on 30th March 2024.

An e-learning option is also available, allowing you to complete your training remotely and attend an RMI Academy site to complete the practical assessment. Alternatively, the assessment may be carried out at your premises depending on location and facilities. This option is also available at the subsidised rate of £250 + VAT for IGA members.

For more information about Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3 click here.

Diagnosis, Testing and Repair of Electric/Hybrid Vehicles and Components Level 4

This 2-day IMI accredited course contains the knowledge of the dangers surrounding repairs carried out to live high voltage vehicle electrical components and systems. The purpose of this qualification is to provide technicians working on electric/hybrid vehicles with the required level of skills and knowledge to carry out repairs on live high voltage vehicle electrical components and systems safely.

This qualification has been developed by IMI in conjunction with electric vehicle manufacturers, HSE, training providers and the IMI Sector Skills Council. It is the first qualification to address live electric vehicle (high voltage) technology, and is essential to ensure the health and safety of individuals working with live high voltage vehicle electrical components and systems. This course costs £545 + VAT for RMI Members and you can click here for more information.

Wheel Alignment Introduction & Awareness

This half-day course covers the safety and understanding of wheel alignment equipment, features and data, giving technicians knowledge of the various tools and equipment available and how to use them within the workplace. This course costs £100 + VAT for RMI members.

For more information about Wheel Alignment Introduction & Awareness click here.

Wheel Alignment Awareness & Practical

This 1-day course covers the features and safety of wheel alignment equipment and data, including adjusting. Technicians will learn the functions of the equipment and how to use it safely. A practical element is held within this course where technicians will be able to demonstrate and use the equipment within the workshop, enabling them to put what they have learnt into practice on the same day. This course costs £205 + VAT for RMI members.

For more information about Wheel Alignment Awareness & Practical click here.

If you would like any more information about any courses available at the RMI Academies, you can also like your nearest RMI Academy Facebook page or the RMI Academy Twitter for training updates.

To book a course, or for availability enquiries, please call 01788 538 399 or email enquiries@rmif.co.uk.

 

Could you benefit from working with a life coach?

It has been a stressful few years for everyone in the independent garage sector. Maybe you feel that you have weathered the Covid-19 storms and life is back to normal – or maybe you feel a bit stuck in crisis mode?

Automotive charity Ben’s Life Coaching service can help you get back into the driving seat of your life and career.  A life coach works with you to help you step back, take a look at your goals, and draw up a plan to get there. Although life coaching can feel therapeutic, it is not therapy – coaching doesn’t focus on the past and instead focuses on the present, helping you to create the future you hope to achieve.

By working with a life coach you can learn new tools and strategies to help you stay focused and motivated so you can make positive, lasting changes.

Your life coach will ask you relevant questions to explore what you want to achieve in life and what areas could be improved as well as help you see where you would like to see yourself in the future. In each session your life coach will offer you space to reflect on your progress and provide feedback to help you to stay motivated and focused on your goals. Your coach may occasionally set you tasks and objectives to work on outside of your sessions. You’ll finish the sessions with  a personal toolkit, packed full of useful resources to help you confidently face future life challenges.

What you choose to focus on with your life coach will be private to you, but Ben says its coaches often work with people on:-

  • Moving forward in your career
  • Dealing with difficult situations in the workplace
  • Building up confidence
  • Money, and your relationship with it
  • Work/life balance

Ben’s life coaches are all members of a professional coaching body such as the EMCC UK and the ICF, which means that they uphold professional standards which promote good moral and ethical practice.

Ben’s life coaching is free for anyone who works, or has worked, in the UK automotive industry. You can access life coaching by completing Ben’s short online referral form, or by calling the Ben helpline team on 08081 311 333 and asking for ‘life coaching’.

How Ben can help you

Ben is the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, providing support for life for them and their family dependents. They work with people to improve their lives by enhancing their health and wellbeing through its free and confidential online self-help, helpline and support services.

Visit ben.org.uk, chat with them online here or call their helpline on 08081 311 333.

Theft is on the rise – tips from Allianz to help protect your vehicles.

Over the past twelve months the UK has faced a number of unsettling economic changes. We’ve entered into a recession, experienced national fuel shortages and are in the midst of an energy crisis.

The cost of living has also increased dramatically and police departments are under ever-increasing pressure, so it should come as no surprise that as a consequence theft is on the rise.

In this feature the IGA’s exclusive insurance partner Allianz takes a closer look at motor theft and offers expert advice on how to protect your vehicles.

Motor theft

Surprisingly, the number of motor thefts has actually decreased in recent years. In 2021 there were 108,000 motor thefts in England and Wales, compared to 180,000 in 2006. But the estimated cost of these crimes has risen to alarming levels, from £360m in 2006 to an estimated £1.44bn in 2021. 1

This is because high value vehicles worth around £100,000 each are being targeted by organised criminals, with Range Rovers being one of the most stolen models. Figures from the Home Office tell us that 72% of stolen vehicles today are never recovered 2 and around half of the recovered vehicles are undamaged, showing the impetus is to resell rather than joyride. 3

Criminals are targeting cars with keyless technology, and ‘key hacking’ or ‘relay theft’ where criminals attack the car’s in-built locking systems by scanning the signal from the key fob and then using it to unlock the car.

However, despite the rise in this type of crime, a staggering 50% of drivers don’t take measures to protect their keys 4. It can take just seconds for thieves to break into a vehicle using this method, and even if they don’t end up taking the car, once they’re in they can take any valuables that are left inside.

Over recent years, catalytic converter theft has also become a major problem for UK motorists. Catalytic converters have a chamber within them that houses a variety of precious metals, and thieves have been targeting these by cutting the converter from the exhaust line.

One metal in particular, rhodium has rocketed in price and is around 17 times more valuable than the equivalent weight in gold 5. Catalytic converters are so valuable that some drivers have reported having them stolen in broad daylight from cars that are parked on private driveways.

5 things to consider to help prevent motor theft

1) Use physical security tools. Often overlooked, physical security tools such as steering wheel, pedal, wheel, and catalytic convertor locks are relatively cheap but highly effective ways to protect your vehicles. If practical,  installing bollards (either key operated or remote controlled rising bollards) in parking bays may be a good consideration. Thieves stealing vehicles for resale want to maintain the value and so don’t want it or its parts damaged.

2) Switch it off or block the signal. If you own vehicles with keyless technology, consider switching off the keyless feature on the fob to eliminate the risk of the signal being hacked by criminals. You could also block the signal using a fob blocker or faraday pouch, which will prevent the signal from being relayed.

3) Don’t leave personal belongings, business equipment or tools in your vehicle. Remove anything valuable and make sure that bags or phones are not in view. This will reduce the likelihood of opportunistic theft. Tool theft is a common and costly problem for tradespeople. If tools or larger equipment can be moved into a property overnight this can reduce the risk, as thefts from vans are far higher than those from properties 6. Theft from vehicles often results in the vehicle being damaged through forcible entry, which results in vehicle down time and negative business impact whilst the vehicle is off the road being repaired.

4) Park safely. Where possible park vehicles in a private garage, or in a highly visible, well lit place. Consider parking defensively against a wall or fence to make stealing the catalytic converter more difficult. Installing CCTV will also help to dissuade criminals from targeting your vehicles. If parking in a public place, look for ‘Park Mark’ accredited car parks – these sites have met the requirements of a risk assessment conducted by the police.

5) Install a vehicle tracker. These systems are particularly beneficial for high-value and high-performance vehicles. Category S5 Trackers are the highest specification Thatcham approved vehicle tracking systems available on the market.

Allianz Insurance has been the RMI’s exclusive insurance partner for over 25 years and have a bespoke RMI and Allianz offering for members known as the Motor Trade RMI product. 

Find out more about this exclusive member offer here, or call the IGA Member Helpline on 01788 225 908 for more information.

Member Service Spotlight: Labour Rate Calculator

Labour rates have been in the headlines for a few weeks now with suggestions from some quarters that customers face a “postcode lottery” when it comes to how much they will be charged.

It’s vital to set a rate that is fair to your garage as well as your customers – and the IGA has a tool that can help you work out what that is.

IGA members have access to a bespoke Labour Rate Calculator designed by our industry experts to help you get the full picture of your business costs and your charge out rates.

It’s one of the topics covered at our evening Member Events where our experienced team cover a range of current industry issues from the labour rate calculator to keeping up to date with the latest MOT regulations, and the pros and cons of deciding whether to take the leap into working on hybrid and electric vehicles.

While we recommend that you should check in with your accountant or your financial advisers before making any adjustments to your hourly rate, the Calculator will help you start that conversation with an accurate picture of where your costs are rising, where you have flexibility to make adjustments, and what the impact of any adjustments could be.

For more information about the Labour Rate Calculator, or any of the other ways that the IGA can help you tackle the challenges facing our fast-paced sector, please call the IGA Member Helpline on 01788 225 908 or email enquiries@rmif.co.uk.

 

BiG Awards 2023 – judging under way

The 2023 BiG Awards judges have been busy reviewing and assessing all the entries for this year’s awards. 

Frank Harvey, Head of Member Services, has been one of the judges travelling the length and breadth of the UK to visit entrants at their garages.

He said: “Once again we’re seeing a really high quality field – with a mix of new start-ups and long-established garage businesses, each unique in their own way.

“We’ve a few more visits to make but I can say that the standard is high and the judges are facing some tough decisions.

“If all goes to plan we’ll be able to get in touch with the shortlisted finalists in July.”

Now in their second year, the BIG awards have been created by the industry, for the industry to celebrate the best of the UK’s independent garages.  Winners will receive a trophy, prizes and recognition from the IGA, the UK’s largest trade body for independent garages.

To book tickets to the BIG Awards 2023, please call 01788 225 908 or order online at bigawards2023.eventbrite.co.uk.

Take a look at the photo gallery from the 2022 awards evening here:

The BIG Awards 2022

IGA Member Events 2023 – June evening dates available to book!

The IGA is bringing its new evening member event format to Yorkshire and East Anglia this month! 

Tickets are available now for the next two dates in our new evening-format member event series,  featuring presentations from the IGA, HEVRA and DVSA.

Between them, our speakers have more than 100 years of experience in the garage trade.

They know the issues members are wrestling with – whether that’s setting fair labour rates that will help your garage thrive, keeping up to date with the latest MOT regulations, or deciding whether to take the leap into working on hybrid and electric vehicles – because they’ve faced them as well.

We want you to end the evening feeling more confident in tackling some of the challenges the independent garage community is facing.

Doors open at 6:00pm, with food and refreshments available on arrival. The IGA will kick-start each evening with the latest industry news and advice, including topics such as Block Exemption, calculating your labour rate, scams and the MOT consultation. You can also discover how IGA membership lets you benefit from our knowledge and experience.

Next we have an informal Q and A style session with an expert from the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Repair Alliance (HEVRA) about all aspects of setting up your garage to work on hybrid and electric vehicles, from marketing to diagnostics.

The evening wraps up with the DVSA sharing the latest MOT news and changes, with time for you to ask your questions directly to the organisation. The event finishes at 9:30pm.

This month we are holding events in Bury St Edmunds and Huddersfield  – simply click on the event you would like to attend below and complete the booking form to reserve your place (up to 3 per garage):

All our member events are free to attend; however, you will need to book tickets in advance as places are strictly limited to 50 per event.

Non-members of the IGA are also welcome to attend these events so feel free to share the invitation with industry friends and colleagues.

If you have booked a ticket but can no longer attend the event, please cancel your order so another garage can join us.

If you have any queries regarding our Member Events, please contact the IGA helpline on 01788 225 908 or email us at enquiries@rmif.co.uk.

Please note: all events are subject to change.

Be Aware – June 2023

This month, the IGA Legal Team provides members with advice on how to calculate bank holiday entitlements, comments on new Government proposals to simplify employment law, offers advice on an employer’s responsibilities towards employees working on their own, and reminds employers of the importance of using the correct templates when employing apprentices.

Bank Holiday entitlement

There are normally eight bank holidays a year in England and Wales, nine in Scotland, and 10 in Northern Ireland. However, in recent years with extra bank holidays being granted for the Platinum Jubilee and Queen Elizabeth’s funeral it can be difficult to ascertain employees’ entitlements and what an employer can require.

Holiday Entitlement

The Working Time Regulations 1998 entitles employees to a 5.6-week minimum Holiday entitlement, this equates to 28 days for a full-time employee and should be pro-rata’d for any part-time employees.

However, the Working Time Regulations 1998 do not differentiate between bank holidays and other days and do not prevent employers from including them in the 5.6-week minimum annual leave entitlement.

Bank holidays will be either:-

  • Part of your overall holiday entitlement, or
  • In addition to your contractual annual leave

Which applies will depend on your contract either expressly in writing or through custom and practice. If in doubt you should review any written contract to see whether holiday are ’28 days inclusive of bank holidays’ or words to similar effect.

If there is no specific mention of bank holidays then it can be assumed that bank holidays/public holidays are part of the overall holiday entitlement unless this is contrary to custom and practice.

Are employees entitled to time off for bank holiday or to extra pay if they are required to work?

There is no automatic right to time off for bank holidays, neither is there a statutory right to any extra pay if employees are required to work a bank holiday.

As an employer you can require employees to take their holidays at certain times, provided they are given sufficient notice.  Alternatively, you can also refuse any holiday requests provided an employee is offered a suitable alternative period. Employees are only entitled to take bank holidays automatically and/or extra pay for working if these rights are incorporated into their contract either expressly in writing or through custom and practice.

What about my Part time workers?

You are required to ensure that that part-time employees are not treated less favourably than full-time employees. Where your contracted holiday is inclusive of bank holidays then whether or not the part-time employees work bank holidays they will be treated fairly as all employees will receive the same holidays.

Where your holidays are exclusive of bank holidays then you should give your part-time workers a pro rata entitlement to bank holidays according to the number of hours that the part-time employee works, irrespective of whether or not they usually work on the days on which those public holidays fall to avoid the risk of less favourable treatment compared to full-time workers in breach of the Part-time Workers Regulations 2000.

In Conclusion

Your contract should be clear as to whether an employees holiday includes bank holidays or whether it is given in addition to bank holidays. If the contract states it is 28 days inclusive of bank holidays, then no matter how many extra bank holidays are given then the holiday entitlement will never get beyond 28 days.  Where the contract is 20 days plus bank holidays, then any additional bank holidays will entitle employees to an extra paid day’s holiday, but only in that year.

If your contract is not clear, then you will have to remain consistent with any previous custom and practice.

Government Proposals to Simplify Employment Law

In ‘Smarter Regulation to Grow the Economy’ (May 2023) the Government has announced a number of proposals to introduce legislation with the intention to grow the economy, as well as save red tape for businesses by simplifying regulations in a post-Brexit era.

It contains some proposed changes in employment law, including measures to simplify the Working Time Regulations, altering TUPE by removing employee representatives for small businesses, and limiting non-compete clauses to 3 months.

Working Time Regulations

Firstly, the Government wish to remove retained EU case law that imposed requirements on businesses for working hour records to be kept for almost all members of the workforce. It says this is being done to cut red tape and save £1bn for businesses, while protecting the rights of workers. Furthermore, there is a proposal to introduce rolled-up holiday (which was not previously legal under EU regulations) so that workers can receive their holiday pay with every payslip. They are also proposing to merge the two separate leave entitlements (‘normal’ and ‘additional’) creating one pot of statutory annual leave.

TUPE

Under the new proposals, businesses with under 50 employees or under 10 transferring employees would no longer need to elect an employee representative, allowing businesses to consult directly with the affected employees. This is again being done with the aim to remove red tape for businesses, whilst improving engagement with workers.

Non-Compete Clauses

This proposal would look to limit the amount of time a non-compete clause can be imposed to a maximum of 3 months after an employee has moved on. The Government hopes this will provide 5 million employees with more freedom and flexibility to apply their skills somewhere else, in an effort to boost the economy.

Comment

In regard to the changes to the Working Time Regulations, some businesses will welcome them even though they are fairly minimal. Rolled-up holiday has supposedly been unlawful for some time but in practice, if both employer and employee are happy with rolling up holiday pay, it is unusual for it to be taken to Court.

Additionally, the changes in TUPE will be beneficial to small businesses as it will remove the unnecessary hassle and complexity of setting up elections. However, the proposals to alter TUPE are extremely minimal and do not touch other onerous regulations for informing or consulting prior to a TUPE transfer.

The change to non-compete clauses will be welcomed by many employees, however in reality this does not change a lot for employers as (a) non-compete clauses are fairly rare and (b) this only applies to non-compete clauses and therefore excludes, for example, non-solicitation and non-poaching.

Inevitably this may also lead to more employers introducing or lengthening garden leave, to extend the time a leaving employee is away from the business (and able to use their connections or acquired confidential information to damage the employer).

Don’t forget, this advice is general in nature and will need to be tailored to any one particular situation. As an RMI member you have access to the RMI Legal advice line, as well as a number of industry experts for your assistance. Should you find yourself in the situation above, contact us at any stage for advice and assistance as appropriate.

Lone Working

“I run a small body repair MOT workshop.  I sometimes have to leave my technician working on his own when I am out of the business, is that okay? Is there any law in this area?”

Employers who have employees who are likely to be working on their own need to carry out a risk assessment.  The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 ensures a duty of care on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees.  The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations also require employers to carry out a risk assessment.

In the above situation a bodyshop or MOT testing area is likely to be a relatively hazardous environment.  The employer is required to consider the risks posed to a lone worker in such an environment.  Where a risk assessment shows it is not possible for the work to be done safely by a lone worker, arrangements for providing help or backup should be put in place.  A risk assessment might include that it is not safe for one person to work alone, examples include working in confined space or work involving electrics or other dangers where two people might be required to be present.

Precautions should be planned for foreseeable emergencies e.g. fire, equipment failure, illness and accidents etc.

The following questions should be asked by the employer:

  • Does the workplace present a special risk to the lone worker?
  • Is there a safe way in and a way out for one person? Can any temporary access equipment which is necessary, such as portable ladders or trestles, be safely handled by one person?
  • Can all the plant, substances and goods involved in the work be safely handled by one person? Consider whether the work involves lifting objects too large for one person or whether more than one person is needed to operate essential controls for the safe running of equipment.
  • Is there a risk of violence?
  • Are women especially at risk if they work alone?
  • Are young workers especially at risk if they work alone?
  • Is the person medically fit and suitable to work alone?
  • What happens if the person becomes ill, has an accident or there is an emergency?

Dismissing an Apprentice

 “We have a first-year apprentice employed on our standard contract of employment (rather than an ASCLA compliant apprenticeship agreement for England or Wales).  We are thinking of dismissing the apprenticeship as he is lazy.   What are the risks to our business if we dismiss here? “

If there is no written apprenticeship agreement, or where there is a written agreement, but it is not an ASCLA compliant apprenticeship agreement (e.g. an approved English apprenticeship agreement), then the individual will have the status of “apprentice” (i.e. working under a contract of apprenticeship) rather than “employee”.

A contract of apprenticeship that is not under an ASCLA compliant agreement, is not terminable for misconduct or poor performance in the same way as an ordinary contract of employment.  Similarly, a contract of apprenticeship that is not under an ASCLA compliant agreement cannot be terminated on the grounds of redundancy unless your business closes entirely or undergoes such a fundamental in character that the apprenticeship is impossible.

Someone with the status of “apprentice” that is not under an ASCLA compliant agreement can only be lawfully dismissed if their conduct is so bad that it is virtually impossible for them to complete their apprenticeship.

In this situation, if the employer decided to dismiss the apprentice, then it would be deemed to be a wrongful termination in breach of contract.  The apprentice may therefore have a claim for enhanced damages (uncapped) by reason of the loss of their prospects as a tradesman on completion of their apprenticeship (Dunk v George Waller & Son Ltd [1970 2 All ER 630 and Wallace v CA Roofing Services Ltd [1996] IRLR 435). In the case of Dunk, the Court held that an employer was not entitled to end the apprenticeship when the apprentice failed certain examinations and held that the employer had to pay damages representing not just lost wages but also the prospective loss of skills and enhanced earning capacity.

The case of Wallace concerned an apprentice sheet metal worker who was dismissed for reason of redundancy after 19 months and claimed damages for breach of contract, arguing that the contract was one of apprenticeship and therefore not subject to a redundancy dismissal. This was held to be the case and the matter was remitted for damages to be assessed, presumably on the basis that the contract should have been one for four years.  An apprentice in this type of case could therefore be awarded significant damages to reflect both the loss of income for the remainder of their fixed-term contract and the loss of training opportunities and the consequent harm done to their chances of eventually obtaining a good job.

Conclusion

The examples of the case-law highlighted above demonstrates that is vital that RMI members use the RMI template apprenticeship agreements for apprentices in England and Wales otherwise they face the risk of significant compensation claims if the apprentice is deemed to be wrongfully dismissed.  The situation is different in Scotland where the ASCLA apprenticeship framework does not apply such that they have the status of “apprentice”.

General Note

Don’t forget, this advice is general in nature and will need to be tailored to any one particular situation. As an RMI member you have access to the RMI Legal advice line, as well as a number of industry experts for your assistance. Should you find yourself in the situation above, contact us at any stage for advice and assistance as appropriate.

Motor Industry Legal Services

Motor Industry Legal Services (MILS) provides fully comprehensive legal advice and representation to UK motor retailers for one annual fee. It is the only law firm in the UK which specialises in motor law and motor trade law. MILS currently advises over 1,000 individual businesses within the sector as well as the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) and its members.

 

What’s on at the RMI Academies – June 2023

Build the confidence and skills of your technicians with the wide range of courses on offer at the RMI Academy of Automotive Skills’ easy-to-access locations in Southam, Runcorn, Lincoln, Winchester and Cheltenham.

This month sees the debut of the new EV Practical Fault-finding Course, designed with the support of HEVRA. This one-day RMISC-certified course will focus on real-world faults that have been identified as frequently affecting EVs. Call us on 01788 538 399 for more information or to book a place.

Find out more about our available courses below. Please be advised that all course dates and availability are subject to change.

To book any course or for more information, please call 01788 538 399, or email enquiries@rmif.co.uk.

MOT Training Courses

Our automotive training provides technicians with the skills needed to become and maintain their status as an MOT Tester or MOT Manager. The RMI’s training venues also provide classroom-based Annual Training sessions on the current DVSA syllabus, allowing testers to complete their mandatory training.

MOT Tester Training – Class 4 & 7

This is a four-day course for experienced technicians who would like to become an MOT tester, plus a practical assessment which can be completed at an RMI Academy site or your business premises.

If a location is needed for the candidate to complete their DVSA VT8 demonstration test after receiving their qualification, we can arrange for this to be conducted on-site at an academy. For more information, please call 01788 225 908. Course prices start from £575 + VAT for RMI Members.

For more information about MOT Tester Training Class 4 & 7 click here.

MOT Tester Training – Class 1 & 2

This is a three-day course for experienced technicians who would like to become an MOT Tester for motorcycles. Course prices start from £575 + VAT for RMI Members.

For more information about MOT Tester Training Class 1 & 2 click here.

MOT Tester Training – Class 5

This is a one day course for qualified MOT Testers who can currently test Class 4 & 7 vehicles, who would like to become an MOT Tester for Class 5 vehicles.

For more information about MOT Tester Training Class 5 click here.

Vehicle Technician Accredited Assessment (VTAA) Level 3

This course is designed for technicians who do not hold a relevant level 3 qualification but want to become an MOT tester for class 3, 4, 5 or 7 vehicles.

The accreditation provides proof of competence and recognition of skills, allowing candidates to use this training route to become a fully qualified MOT tester. Course prices start from £630 + VAT for RMI Members.

For more information about Vehicle Technician Accredited Assessment (VTAA) Level 3 click here.

Please note this course is currently unavailable at the RMI Winchester and Lincoln Training Centres.

MOT Centre Management

This is a two-day compulsory course for prospective MOT Managers. Those who are responsible for the operations of MOT stations (e.g. site managers) will also benefit from attending. Course prices start from £395 + VAT for RMI Members.

For more information about MOT Centre Management click here.

MOT Centre Management Refresher Course

This 1-day RMISC certified course gives any AEDMs, AEDs and Site Managers the skills and information to update their knowledge to ensure they remain compliant with the DVSA’s rules and regulations. Course prices start from £195 + VAT for RMI Members.

For more information about the MOT Centre Management Refresher course click here.

MOT Annual Training

The RMI Academy is providing annual training for the 2023/24 MOT Annual Training year. The assessment pass rate is 80%, so we are advising testers to complete their training at their earliest possible convenience in case additional time is needed for retakes.

For more information about other training packages that can be completed at home or at your premises, click here to read this month’s MOT Annual Training update.

MOT Annual Training Classroom Sessions – Classes 3, 4, 5 & 7

2022/23 MOT Annual Training classroom sessions at all RMI training venues include three hours of training, an RMI workbook, access to the online assessment, and refreshments. Course prices start from £95 + VAT per candidate.

Find out more about this course here.

Enhanced Annual Training Classroom Sessions

Enhanced, full-day annual training courses are also available at RMI Academy sites to provide testers with further training beyond the minimum three hours required. This course costs £195 + VAT, and includes access to the annual assessment.

Call us today to book, or find out more here.

Technical Training Courses

Being a member of the IGA provides you and your technicians with a range of technical training opportunities. Below you can find a list of technical courses held at RMI Academy sites.

ADAS Introduction & Awareness

This half-day course provides technicians with awareness and understanding of ADAS procedures within the workplace. It covers safety features, usage of equipment and advises technicians of the various equipment manufacturers within the industry. This course costs £110 + VAT for RMI members.

For more information about ADAS Introduction & Awareness click here.

ADAS Awareness & Practical

This full-day course helps technicians to gain better knowledge of ADAS procedures and equipment, and contains a practical element where equipment will be used within a workshop setting.

The practical element is designed to help develop technicians’ pinpoint accuracy of equipment, target positioning and general operation involved within calibrating. The key topics within this course include; ADAS code of practice, Sensors, Reversing aids, Radar systems, Targets, and recalibration. This course costs £205 + VAT for RMI members.

For more information about ADAS Awareness & Practical click here.

ADAS IMI AOM 230

This 2-day, IMI accredited course is designed to ensure that the technician has the ability to calibrate Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). It demonstrates the technician’s ability to identify and correctly interpret information relating to a specific vehicle and its ADAS features to determine which method of calibration is required. This course costs £500 + VAT for RMI members.

For more information about ADAS IMI AOM 230 click here.

Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Routine Maintenance Level 2

This 2-day course covers the skills and knowledge required to work safely around a vehicle’s high and low voltage electrical system and electric drive train system, whilst carrying out repairs or maintenance. This course costs £420 + VAT for RMI members.

For more information about Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Routine Maintenance Level 2 click here.

Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3

This 3-day course covers the technology associated with the present generation of hybrid and electrically propelled vehicles. The course focuses on gaining a thorough understanding of how the electric vehicle functions and the variation of electric vehicle types currently available, and there is a strong emphasis on safe working practices. This course usually costs £630 + VAT for RMI members, but is available at a heavily subsidised rate of £250 + VAT for IGA members.

An e-learning option is also available, allowing you to complete your training remotely and attend an RMI Academy site to complete the practical assessment. Alternatively, the assessment may be carried out at your premises depending on location and facilities. This option is also available at the subsidised rate of £250 + VAT for IGA members.

For more information about Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3 click here.

Diagnosis, Testing and Repair of Electric/Hybrid Vehicles and Components Level 4

This 2-day IMI accredited course contains the knowledge of the dangers surrounding repairs carried out to live high voltage vehicle electrical components and systems. The purpose of this qualification is to provide technicians working on electric/hybrid vehicles with the required level of skills and knowledge to carry out repairs on live high voltage vehicle electrical components and systems safely.

This qualification has been developed by IMI in conjunction with electric vehicle manufacturers, HSE, training providers and the IMI Sector Skills Council. It is the first qualification to address live electric vehicle (high voltage) technology, and is essential to ensure the health and safety of individuals working with live high voltage vehicle electrical components and systems. This course costs £545 + VAT for RMI Members and you can click here for more information.

Wheel Alignment Introduction & Awareness

This half-day course covers the safety and understanding of wheel alignment equipment, features and data, giving technicians knowledge of the various tools and equipment available and how to use them within the workplace. This course costs £100 + VAT for RMI members.

For more information about Wheel Alignment Introduction & Awareness click here.

Wheel Alignment Awareness & Practical

This 1-day course covers the features and safety of wheel alignment equipment and data, including adjusting. Technicians will learn the functions of the equipment and how to use it safely. A practical element is held within this course where technicians will be able to demonstrate and use the equipment within the workshop, enabling them to put what they have learnt into practice on the same day. This course costs £205 + VAT for RMI members.

For more information about Wheel Alignment Awareness & Practical click here.

If you would like any more information about any courses available at the RMI Academies, you can also like your nearest RMI Academy Facebook page or the RMI Academy Twitter for training updates.

To book a course, or for availability enquiries, please call 01788 538 399 or email enquiries@rmif.co.uk.

 

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