Parcelforce staff fined £250 if they can't find sick cover

Parcelforce, who provide courier services for Marks & Spencer, John Lewis and Hamleys, fine sick couriers £250 if they cannot find cover, it has emerged.

Last week, The Guardian found that multinational company DPD charges its couriers £150 in similar circumstances.

However, Parcelforce’s fines are enforced at management’s discretion – and they apply to owner-drivers, who make up approximately 25% of the Royal Mail-owned business’ workforce, who also pay for their own vehicle, fuel, insurance and uniform, as well as only being paid per delivery.

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A courier who, according to The Guardian, asked not to be named for fear of being blacklisted, said: “We all hate it. My colleague handed in his notice after being told he was being fined £750 for being off sick for three days.