Hours cut for own-account drivers
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• Drivers in the own-account sector could enjoy big cuts in hours after a ruling from Europe on a 48-hour maximum working week Both the Transport and General Workers Union and the Freight Transport Association say own-account drivers could be subject to the new directive. It becomes law in Europe on 23 November despite British opposition, and means the only drivers who could be ordered to work more than 48 hours a week are in the hire-and-reward sector.
The European Commission, has pledged to make sure all transport workers eventually work a maximum of 48 hours.
The TGWU warns that any difference between in-house and hire-and-reward drivers could lead to "social apartheid". But it adds: "If hours shorten for ownaccount operators this will at least place pressure on the hireand-reward sector to improve conditions."