The T&G have asked professional lorry and coach drivers, shop stewards and full-time officers of the Transport and General Workers Union to watch very carefully how employers implement the Working Time Directive regulations and guidelines which the UK government have brought in. Those regulations, which the government put before Parliament this week, were still under scrutiny from the T&G and its sister union URTU.

Webb said of the new rules, "We have asked the European Union Commission for a view on what the UK government have done aided and abetted by the employers. "We want to see the 48-hour week with no loss of pay for our members. That is still our position even with these regulations and guidelines."

Webb said he understood the government had been told they could not delay the implementation of the regulations and guidelines in spite of the grave reservations of the trade unions. "We acknowledge the government's position," added Webb. "But equally we acknowledge the pressures our members will be under. That's why we have asked our people to be eagle-eyed in the period leading up to the government's promised review."

The T&G, URTU and the TUC met with the government and employers on 18th February to discuss the draft regulations and guidelines to implement the Working Time Directive. Unions said they were prepared to move forward but were pleased that the government had accepted the need to review the regulations after six to twelve months.