An MP has asked if Evri should be investigated over "poor customer service" after parcel delivery delays across the UK.
A parcel dropped off by a Hermes (now Evri) driver behind a customer's wheely bins in Tynemouth
Evri, formerly known as Hermes, has apologised to customers who are still waiting for Christmas deliveries. It blames staff shortages, bad weather and increased demand from the Royal Mail strike for the issues.
During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Labour MP Carolyn Harris said “Does the Prime Minister believe that over 40,000 interactions by either social media, email or letter regarding the poor customer service and working conditions at the delivery company Evri warrants an investigation by the relevant Government department?
“His ministers in BEIS (Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy) think not. But I’m sure the Prime Minister would want the general public to believe that he at least is interested enough in this problem to take action.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I am aware that other Government ministers have looked into this issue and are currently considering the matter at hand. I would be happy to write to her when we learn more about the situation.”
In December, Ms Harris accused the courier of causing “misery” to people in the run-up to Christmas.
In a letter to Evri chief executive Martijn De Lange, Ms Harris called for an “urgent explanation” for the firm’s “inadequate” service, with parcels being delayed, cancelled and in some cases going missing.
Related video: Labour MP slams delivery company Evri for losing Christmas parcels (Daily Mail)
“With thousands of households already struggling during the current cost-of-living crisis, few will be in a position to replace parcels that do not arrive,” she wrote.
“Many will have already stretched their budgets to buy gifts for family and friends, ensuring they purchased in good time for Christmas deliveries.
“A number of well-known and respected retailers have chosen Evri as their delivery partner with the understanding that demand can be met. Yet seeing images from your depots with parcels being sorted on the street, and reading endless social media posts about missing deliveries, suggests that this is far from the case.”
Citizens Advice has rated Evri as the worst performing courier company for the second year running.
An Evri spokeswoman said: “We are sorry that some customers are experiencing short, localised delays in receiving their parcels.
“We continue to be impacted by high demand, staff shortages and bad weather conditions but, due to the hard work of our local teams, we successfully delivered over three million parcels each day over recent weeks.
“Despite incredible efforts from all of our people, our service has not been as good as we would have liked in some areas, and we are committed to redoubling our efforts this year, including a focus on recruitment.
“In some local areas there are still some delayed parcels that should be cleared over the next few days and we apologise for any inconvenience and disappointment.
“However, in the unlikely event that a parcel hasn’t been delivered within 10 days, we would advise customers to contact their retailer/seller who will in turn contact us if necessary.”