Euro 48-hour week will lead to hours confusion
Page 7
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by Karen Miles • Operators and drivers face more complicated drivers' hours rules following this week's EC proposal that drivers should not be forced to work more than 48 hours a week.
Unions estimate that on average drivers will work 10 fewer hours a week.
An EC white paper on the subject issued on Tuesday (15 July) contains a proposal to modify existing European drivers' hours rules within the limits of a 48-hour working week.
But the limit will be calculated on an annual basis, allowing for flexibility, within the limits of road safety concerns. Driving and other working time will be included in the 48-hour limit, with breaks excluded.
The potential for an "appalling mish-mash" of regulations has been condemned by the Freight Transport Association, which points out that the current legislation is "complicated enough".
Employers will be able to get round the limit if drivers agree, hut any voluntary renunciation is bound to increase drivers' bargaining power on other issues. Danny Bryan, Transport and General Workers Union national secretary, is already calling for an industry review on hours, holidays anti rest periods.