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

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