DPD drivers withdraw service in a row over changes to delivery rates

DPD drivers withdrew their delivery service and held a demonstration outside the company's Washington depot following a change in their delivery rates.

- by Neil Fatkin

Around 50 drivers gathered at the entrance to the depot from around 6am on Monday after they were informed by a video link attached to an email that their delivery rate for small parcels would be reduced by 65p per delivery.

Drivers who spoke to the Echo also said they will also be losing their 'big push' payments - the 50p additional per parcel payment they receive if they work 13 consecutive days delivering items in the busy Christmas period.

The drivers said they will on average be hit with a seven to 10 per cent pay cut of up to around £5,000 per year.

The company responded to the day of action by saying that larger parcels, or high-value or pharmaceutical parcels, will not be impacted by the changes, while heavier deliveries will attract an additional payment of 65p.