WORKING TIME THREATENS PENSIONS
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A Scottish haulier warns that the MD could lead to truck drivers putting less into their pension funds.
Mark Cessford, boss of Dundee-based Angus Agencies, has been trying for several months to arrange a meeting with government ministers to talk about his dissatisfaction with the Directive.
He sees no reason why drivers should not work longer hours if they wish to, as long as safety is not compromised. "The tacho laws are there to ensure safety, so I don't really see any reason for the Working Time Directive at all," he adds.
He believes pensions will suffer if drivers are forced to work less because wages will fall and they will be forced to cut their expenditure.
"The f irst thing that will go will be their pension contributions," he predicts. "And what is the government saying we should do more? Contribute to pensions."
Cessford has been corresponding with senior civil servants for several months about setting up a meeting with Transport Secretary Alistair Darling. He admits such a meeting is unlikely but concludes: "I still think it is important to fight the battle and make the point."