The Live Wire



Press Release

Emergency drivers' hours change renewed for all of Britain

24 December 2010

Pressure from the British Retail Consortium has resulted in the renewal of emergency measures to allow food delivery drivers to extend their working hours. The relaxation of the enforcement of European regulations will apply to England, Scotland and Wales.

The BRC led lobbying for the common-sense relaxation on drivers’ hours to help ensure food supplies are maintained over the long bank holiday, and is delighted by the Government’s co-operation.

The relaxation began at midnight (start of today, Christmas Eve) and runs until the end of 27 December, meaning drivers involved in the food chain can work for an extra hour each day, driving for ten hours instead of nine, and can postpone their weekly break.

BRC Food Director, Andrew Opie, said: “Everyone involved – retailers, suppliers, hauliers – have been putting in huge efforts to keep stores open and well-supplied over the last four weeks of bad weather. The absence of shortages is a tribute to their efforts and the resilience of the supply chain.

“This common sense response from the Department for Transport to the BRC’s request on drivers’ hours means it will be that little bit easier for supermarkets and other grocery stores to keep shelves well-stocked throughout the country and throughout the holiday period.

“The disruption caused by the bad weather has often made it harder for people to get to shops but they can be confident of finding plenty on the shelves, when they do get there.”



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British Retail Consortium

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