Driver and warehouse staff worry over BHS failure

A total of 60 drivers and about 300 warehouse workers, members of Unite, the country’s largest union, work for the DHL which supplies the 164 chain store on a daily basis. The majority of Unite’s members are based at Atherstone, near Coventry.

Unite national officer for road transport Matt Draper called for ‘urgent talks’ with DHL management to clarify the situation and what it impact it may have on members’ jobs.

In a statement DHL said: “While discussions with the administrators are continuing, it would be premature to speculate on the long term impact of last week’s announcement. However we are working closely with our trade union and colleagues at this time.”

Matt Draper said: “We are asking for urgent talks with DHL on the BHS collapse to explore what the implications are. The BHS situation demonstrates that the effects go beyond those directly employed to those working in the wider supply chain.”