Gig-economy worker dies after fearing fines for seeing doctor

A DPD courier who was fined for attending a medical appointment to treat his diabetes has collapsed and died of the disease, prompting more pressure on his former employer.

Don Lane was reported to have missed appointments with specialists because he felt pressured into covering his shift. He also did not want to face DPD’s £150 daily penalties if he did not find cover.

Lane had collapsed twice prior to his early January passing. He was fined in July last year after he went to see a specialist about eye damage caused by diabetes. He once entered a diabetic coma whilst in his delivery van. He also worked through his illness during the Christmas rush.

He leaves behind a widow, Ruth Lane, and a son. His widow told the Guardian: “There was a constant threat of a fine. They had to deliver the parcels to tight slots and the pressure to get them done was huge. He was putting the company before his own health. He wasn’t able to do his parcels first and make the hospital appointments, so he would cancel on the day.