Ep 293: When is a delivery contractor not a contractor?

Postal Hub podcast

When is a contractor not a contractor? Roel Gevaers, Professor in Last Mile Logistics and Supply Chain, University of Antwerp, discusses proposed legislation that will directly impact postal and delivery contractors:

• Background to proposed legislation targetting sham contracting / false self-employment
• Legislation only focuses on postal and parcel delivery drivers
• BIPT (postal regulator) will administer the legislation, meaning gig economy platforms are exempt
• Obligations on every postal or parcel company to monitor contractors / sub contractors
• Delivery sector needs to crack down on illicit behaviour
• Workload on BIPT
• Should existing legislation be better enforced rather than introducing new legislation?
• Different contracting models, including vehicle ownership, and work for other carriers
• How the legislation could change the contractor relationship
• Broad-based opposition to the legislation
• Impact on last mile costs
• Will delivery companies base themselves in The Netherlands to avoid compliance with Belgian legislation?
• Will the legislation in its current form protect workers from exploitation?
• Heightened interest in electrifying delivery fleets