AN exclusive contract with Motability Finance (MFL) will see logistics company United Fleet Distribution employ its delivery drivers rather than rely on freelance 'platers'.

The drivers will deliver new cars and collect end of contract vehicles, and UFD managing director Philip Molloy attributed the decision to employ the drivers to new European legislation.

He said: 'EU employment legislation concerning the status of workers will abolish the distinction between full-time employees and the self-employed, and make the employer responsible for such issues as National Insurance and tax.'

UFD forecasts it will deliver and collect about 100,000 new and used vehicles on behalf of MFL this year, quadrupling its level of driven deliveries.

As a result of the new three-year contract UFD is creating 220 new jobs, and opening specialist MFL locations.