Evri customers across the Isle of Wight are facing serious delays and missing parcels as multiple drivers have quit their roles in recent weeks, citing drastic pay cuts as the reason why.
Several drivers are understood to have left the courier firm in April and May, some after nearly a decade with the company – formerly known as Hermes.
A key reason behind the departures is a reported reduction in delivery rates – with one driver revealing they were being paid just 35p for delivering a small packet.
The driver, who has since resigned, calculated they would earn just £37 for delivering 90 parcels, 49 of which were classed as small packets – before fuel, tax and insurance costs were deducted. They described the company as a ‘joke and a disgrace’.
This sudden loss of experienced drivers has reportedly created a ‘giant backlog of parcels and packets’ at the local Evri depot. Some residents have waited more than a month for deliveries, with growing concern and frustration among customers.
One Ryde resident has said:
“Something seems to be going on at the depot in the last 4-6 weeks. I had 2 parcels due to be delivered, after a great deal of chasing they decided they were lost. These are items I desperately need for my animals and children.
“They will not allow the public to go and collect parcels from the depot, you cannot contact them, cannot speak to a human. This is an issue I am seeing repeated constantly by others online… yet again us on the Isle of Wight getting a substandard service and being expected to lump it!”
Social media platforms have been flooded with similar complaints from Islanders. Some have expressed concern that perishable items, such as drinks and food, may spoil before they even leave the depot.
One person commented:
“I’m waiting for iced coffees to be delivered. At this rate they’ll be out of date before I get them.”
Island Echo has approached Evri for a response to the situation, including the pay concerns and parcel delays, but no official comment has been received at the time of publication.