Yodel to recruit almost 3,000 workers as parcel carrier gears up for Christmas

The new roles include 2,500 self-employed and 450 employed positions, including couriers and parcel sorters at all of the firm’s 50 locations across the UK.

The recruitment drive is in response to the demand for online retail, which has increased dramatically during 2020 as a result of the virus crisis.

Official figures have shown internet purchases made up a third of total retail sales during May, a record high, and have remained significantly above pre-lockdown levels since.

Yodel said the trend is expected to continue in the winter months as social distancing restrictions remain in place.

Chief executive Mike Hancox said: “The ongoing growth in online retail is set to continue into the festive season as consumers flock to buy gifts.

“We’re expecting this peak period to be higher in intensity and longer in duration than ever before as people look to prepare for Christmas earlier.”

The GMB, which represents 1,000 workers at Yodel, said its members had overwhelmingly rejected a pay offer of 1.6% this year and 1.5% from July 2021.

The union urged Yodel to resume negotiations, rather than risk strike action during the peak season.

Mr Hancox said the company was disappointed that workers had rejected an above-inflation pay offer and called for it to be reconsidered.