DPD, a delivery company previously reporting nearly £200 million in pre-tax profits last year, is facing allegations of unjust dismissals following worker protests against proposed pay cuts. The workers, primarily self-employed drivers, organized a three-day work stoppage in response to DPD’s plans to reduce delivery rates by 65p starting September 29, which they claim could lead to annual losses exceeding £6,000 for many drivers, including the cancellation of a £500 Christmas bonus.
Following the protests, DPD confirmed that it dismissed eight drivers, including those seen as ringleaders of the action. Reports suggest that the company threatened to withhold pay from some staff to cover replacement costs. A DPD representative cited contract breaches as the reason for the terminations, while some dismissed individuals assert their firing was retaliatory for speaking out.
Dean Hawkins, one of the dismissed drivers, claimed his termination was a means for DPD to reassert control. He and others involved in the protests have expressed concerns about the implications of such dismissals on workers’ rights. DPD maintains that the contracts were terminated due to breaches related to non-disclosure agreements and that the company reserves the right to keep deposits from contractors who leave.
In light of these events, legal opinions suggest that changes may be necessary in employment law to protect workers who voice opposition to management decisions. John Hendy KC, an employment law barrister, emphasized that current protections primarily apply to independent trade union activities, leaving others vulnerable to retribution. He called for a review of legislation to prevent penalization of workers who raise concerns regarding alterations to their employment terms.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/nov/01/delivery-firm-dpd-accused-of-revenge-sacking-drivers-who-criticised-pay-cuts