DPD to hire 700 weekend drivers

DPD is to hire 700 part-time drivers for weekend deliveries in response to a 40 per cent increase in weekend parcel volumes over the past year.

Chief executive Dwain McDonald said: “We’ve been amazed by the demand for our weekend service and we’re obviously delighted to be able to create more new jobs, as a result.”

“Online shoppers increasingly expect to get their goods the next day, regardless of when they make the purchase. We also find that many customers now specifically request a weekend delivery for goods like fashion and electronic devices where they want to be sure they are going to be at home to receive it.”

The company created the new employed role of part-time, dedicated weekend delivery driver, following a 40 per cent increase in weekend parcel volumes in the last year. The expansion is due to the general growth in e-tail traffic and more retailers promoting the option of weekend deliveries, with fashion and electronic devices two of the fastest growing sectors for DPD.

The company anticipates the number of dedicated weekend drivers will continue to grow and is planning for over 1,000 such drivers in 12 months time. In addition, DPD confirmed that 100 new warehouse jobs had been created in the firm’s regional depot network, to support the increased traffic.