Over a quarter (27%) of Brits believe that there are no crucial winter jobs, with less than 1 in 10 (9%) recognising the importance of gritter drivers, according to new research by Ripon-based Econ Engineering, to mark the start of the winter season.
Whilst gritter drivers work gruelling shifts both day and night, and last year alone, Econ gritters cleared 247,800 miles of roads, Brits underestimate the work involved to keep the UK moving in snow and icy conditions.
That’s why, to celebrate and recognise these unsung heroes of winter, Econ has launched The Grit and Glory Awards, a brand-new search to crown the UK’s Gritter Driver of the Year, shining a light on these hardworking individuals and raising awareness of their essential role.
To find out more about the awards or nominate a gritter driver, visit www.econ.uk.com/grit-and-glory-awards. If you know a gritter driver who operates an Econ truck and goes above and beyond to keep communities safe, we want to hear from you!
Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ, said: “We’re very proud of the role Econ plays in keeping our nation moving. This winter, our customers up and down the UK will be gritting, clearing and de-icing, knowing that every Econ vehicle will stand up to the task at hand. But none of that would be possible without the dedication and skill of hundreds of highly trained gritter drivers. Getting up in the middle of the night and going to work in all weathers and over the festive period, it’s only fitting that these hardworking individuals get the recognition that they deserve. We’re looking forward to crowing Econ’s first ever Gritter Driver of the Year.”
Lettie Fenlon is a 28-year-old gritter driver from Ripon. She commented: “I love my job as a gritter driver, but it’s not for the faint hearted. As soon as the temperature falls below five degrees, we’re essentially on call at the time, which as we know, can be at any time of the year in this country! We can be on the roads at any time of day or night too; I was once called out at 2am on Boxing Day!
“It’s such a satisfying job though and I know that it makes a difference to the communities along my route.”
Econ, which has been established for more than 55 years, has its main manufacturing base in Ripon, with engineering hubs in Alloa, Scotland, Sowerby, Thirsk, Halesworth, Suffolk and Cardiff, Wales.
To find out more and see terms and conditions, visit www.econ.uk.com/grit-and-glory-awards