Self-employed hit by ED plans 7-
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• Self-employed drivers and couriers will be subject to Working Time Directive restriction under drivers' hours proposals discussed in the European Parliament last week.
Analysis of the proposals accepted by Parliament last week (CM 16-22 Jan) has revealed that, should they be adopted by the EC in their current form, they will have farreaching effects.
Wim Smolders of the International Road Transport Union says the decision to tie drivers' hours to the Working Time Directive will cut any current flexibility. "It will also mean self-employed drivers will have to work under WTD rules."
Courier and express delivery companies are also unlikely to welcome their inclusion in drivers' hours restrictions, says Freight Transport Association policy manager Gavin Scott. They are currently only subject to UK drivers' hours."
Retrofitting of smart-card tachos within 36 months has also been agreed as part of the proposals ( GM9-15 January).