As the Christmas season draws near, concerns have intensified over what Somerset residents and their local MPs describe as “widespread delivery failures” by parcel service Evri. The delivery company, part of the German-owned Hermes Group, has faced criticism for parcels arriving late or being left in inappropriate and unsafe locations.
Gideon Amos, the Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington, has called on constituents to document delivery issues, eliciting varied reactions. Meanwhile, Sarah Dyke, MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, urged Evri’s chief executive to launch an urgent investigation into the rising number of delivery problems within Somerset.
In a letter to Evri’s leadership, Ms. Dyke emphasized the importance of secure and timely parcel delivery, stating: “My constituents rely on the safe and secure delivery of their parcels. Having paid for the service, it is reasonable that they receive a reliable and accurate service as a minimum expectation.” She called for swift resolution and a clear plan to prevent future failures.
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Evri recently came under the spotlight from a BBC Panorama investigation revealing instances of couriers allegedly cutting corners to meet pay targets, with claims that some work below the minimum wage. Despite this, Ms. Dyke acknowledged the dedication of many couriers but stressed that delivery mistakes remain unacceptable and appear to be a nationwide trend.
Local residents have shared their experiences publicly. Robert Darnell from Taunton described Evri as “the worst courier,” citing parcels left in the rain despite clear instructions for safe storage. Councillor Sarah Wakefield added concerns about parcels being carelessly thrown near the road. Conversely, some residents like Louise Winborn praised their local Evri driver for attentiveness and careful delivery.
In response, Evri issued a statement defending its service quality and the dedication of its 34,000 self-employed couriers delivering roughly 900 million parcels annually across 25 million households. They criticized the Panorama report as “cherry-picked” and highlighted their competitive pay structure, which averages over £20 per hour and includes benefits such as pensions, holiday, and sick pay. Evri also stressed their compliance with health and safety standards and their proactive approach to correcting parcel labelling issues.
Further, Evri announced plans to create an additional 2,500 jobs amid broader market competition, underscoring their role in supporting flexible work opportunities during challenging economic times.
As investigations continue, Somerset residents are encouraged to document any delivery issues, ideally with photographic evidence, to assist in addressing these concerns.