The European Labour Authority has released a new study exposing major **labour concerns in** Europe’s fast-growing **Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) delivery sector**. While e-commerce and rapid delivery services have transformed the industry, the shift has come at a cost: widespread **undeclared work**, **fragmented [subcontracting](/en/glossary/subcontracting "Employing a firm or person outside one’s company to do work as part of a larger project.")**, and growing **pressure on workers' rights**.

The report finds that although some illegal practices—like false [self-employment](/en/glossary/self-employment "The state of working for oneself rather than an employer. A self-employed person is ‘pursuing a gainful activity for their own account, under the conditions laid down by national law'. As indicated by the European Commission in 2010, there are different understandings and definitions of the term…")—are decreasing in parts of the EU, many issues remain. **Unpaid waiting times**, **under-declared hours**, and **unclear employment statuses** continue to erode fair competition and social protection. Enforcement is further complicated by long, opaque supply chains that often shield large companies from direct accountability.

## Key findings

- New players and business models are reshaping the sector, prompting the **need for updated regulatory frameworks**.
- **Undeclared work** appears across various stages of the supply chain, undermining [compliance](/en/glossary/compliance "The act of obeying an order, rule, regulation or request. Compliance with a law means doing what is required to operate in the declared economy.") and worker protections.
- Authorities in Member States are testing **innovative technologies**—like digital registers and interconnected databases—to improve traceability and accountability.
- Social partners are calling on institutions for **stronger action against labour abuses** and **better enforcement mechanisms**.

## Market shifts, worker risks, and the search for solutions

The **COVID-19 pandemic** reshaped consumer habits and accelerated demand for fast home deliveries, transforming the CEP sector. Once dominated by national postal services, it is now marked by intense competition, innovation, and shrinking profit margins—often at the expense of working conditions and workers’ health.

Tracking the number of workers in the sector remains difficult due to varying national classifications. This complicates efforts to address **undeclared work**, which remains widespread—especially among **third-country nationals**. While false [self-employment](/en/glossary/self-employment "The state of working for oneself rather than an employer. A self-employed person is ‘pursuing a gainful activity for their own account, under the conditions laid down by national law'. As indicated by the European Commission in 2010, there are different understandings and definitions of the term…") is declining in some countries, unpaid loading and waiting times still affect many workers.

To improve oversight, several Member States are introducing legal reforms and digital tools like parcel lockers and tracking systems. **Inspections** and the active involvement of social partners continue to play a vital role in ensuring [compliance](/en/glossary/compliance "The act of obeying an order, rule, regulation or request. Compliance with a law means doing what is required to operate in the declared economy.") and protecting workers' rights.

 

 

 

 

##  Go to the study 

 

ELA study: Key challenges in tackling undeclared work in the courier, express, and parcel delivery sector

 English (1.2 MB - PDF)

 [View](https://www.ela.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2025-08/20250718_Study_Parcel_Delivery_vFinal_%28reviewed_August%29.pdf)