Labour is being urged to support delivery workers who were fired for speaking out against DPD’s proposed pay cuts, according to a former Cabinet minister. Louise Haigh criticized the delivery company for reducing rates for self-employed drivers, potentially resulting in significant financial losses for them. Haigh, a former Transport Secretary, called on the Government to oppose the exploitation of workers and stand against such unfair practices. Many drivers staged a protest by refusing to carry out deliveries, leading to some being dismissed by DPD for voicing their concerns.
Dean Hawkins, a spokesperson for the affected drivers, emphasized the need for more government support for workers in similar situations, highlighting the crucial role delivery drivers played during the pandemic. Labour peer Lord John Hendy advocated for amendments to the Employment Rights Bill to protect workers like those terminated by DPD, stressing that penalizing workers for defending their terms and conditions is unacceptable and should be illegal.
Both the Department for Business and Trade and DPD acknowledged the importance of treating employees fairly and upholding contractual obligations. DPD stated that while they do not take contract terminations lightly, they reserve the right to act if suppliers are deemed to be damaging the company’s interests or reputation.