Approximately two dozen delivery drivers in the Oxford area have lost their jobs after their income fell substantially.
Evri has announced that all packages in the Oxford region must be delivered to customers on time today following a subcontractor’s decision to stop trading.
Old Windsor Logistics, based at the Horspath Trading Estate in Cowley, has chosen to terminate its seven-year association with Evri and will no longer manage parcel deliveries.
The business owner, Daniel Sheehy, said his drivers could no longer make enough money to pay for everyday expenses.
Consequently, his 26 workers—who mostly deliver to Oxford and Abingdon—were told on Wednesday morning that their jobs had been removed.
This came after Mr Sheehy revealed that Evri’s per-parcel payment had fallen since 2019, dropping from £1.40 to 75p.
The 35-year-old proprietor stated that the business could no longer continue. He noted that over the past two years the rate had been gradually decreased, and in the last three months the cuts had become more severe. He had informed Evri that additional funding was required to keep the company operational, particularly to cover VAT and staff wages. Better pay rates were necessary to remain in business.
An Evri spokesperson said they frequently assess their collaborations and are committed to working with and helping their service providers. The spokesperson also indicated that they routinely examine their delivery network and third-party connections to improve services and offer customers the best delivery choices.
However, Mr Sheehy insists there has been no substantial dialogue with the Leeds-based delivery firm since he first highlighted issues last October. He described the situation as ridiculous and stated that they had no intention of causing disruption for anyone. They had simply reached a point where they could not afford to compensate their drivers and continue trading.
The Old Windsor Logistics owner pointed out that the rate becomes even poorer when fines are deducted. Over the Christmas period, these fines totaled around £7,600, and he called the penalty system unreasonable, particularly those concerning photo evidence of delivery.
Meanwhile, Evri has reportedly sent staff to the Oxford depot to ensure today’s immediate deliveries are finished. A company spokesperson commented that every parcel matters to them, and they have drivers covering every route in the area to make sure deliveries continue as usual.
A statement added that independent figures have shown them to have the best on-time delivery record of any carrier, and their dedicated community couriers are central to what they do. As they grow, they keep taking on new community couriers who, according to their customers, provide great service. Those wishing to apply can do so through their website.