"Delivery firm DPD accused of ‘revenge’ sacking drivers who criticised pay cuts", 1 November 2025

The delivery firm DPD has been accused of “revenge” sackings after workers spoke out against a plan to cut thousands of pounds from their earnings, including their Christmas bonus...

DPD confirmed it had dismissed workers after an estimated 1,500 self-employed drivers chose not to take on any work for a three-day period in protest at the plans. It emerged earlier this month that the company had told workers it planned to cut 65p from the rate it pays for most of its deliveries on 29 September...

Many drivers indicated they were choosing not to work for the company for three days. After a meeting with workers’ representatives, the firm agreed to defer the rate-cut until after Christmas, but insisted it would still be implemented. Within weeks of the meeting, drivers have said, management have started to move against people they deemed “ringleaders”...

A DPD spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have terminated our relationship with eight supplier companies following a breach of contract.”... DPD said it would have “incurred costs by spending time sharing with you the benefit of our knowledge, skill and experience”, and that it would “also spend time and money finding a replacement for you”. “If that happens, we may keep your deposit to cover these costs,” it said.

DPD said: “With any case of supplier breach of contract, it is our normal procedure to hold on to the deposit for up to 30 days to allow for vehicles to be returned and assessed for damage. Unless there is damage, we would expect to return the deposit in full and within the agreed timescale.”...