Q. I run a delivery courier company from Southampton and we're about to use self-employed non-HGV drivers, on a casual basis, due to increased demand for our products. I have made sure that the risk assessment is in place but am slightly concerned about how it will comply with the Working Time Directive as there would be a need for the drivers to work 10-hour shifts sometimes, seven days on the trot. Will this infringe the hours drivers are allowed to work without compulsory rest breaks? What do I need to comply with?

A. You need to comply with the Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR). These Regulations implement the EC Working Time Directive. Although there are different regulations governing road transport, namely the Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations 2005, those Regulations apply essentially to drivers of vehicles that have tachographs, which does not appear to be the case here.