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DPD Coronavirus Update

Monday, March 16, 2020

We use DPD for delivery of sewing machines and larger orders. 

As you would expect DPD has plans in place to deal with the escalating Coronavirus situation in the UK and across the world and they have prepared the following update.

As the situation is extremely fast-moving we will issue updates weekly or more frequently if further announcements are made by HM Government.

1. UK parcel collection and delivery operation

At present all parcel operations continue as normal. All DPD Local depots and hubs are working as normal and we have no closures affecting any of our sites.

2. International Parcel collection and delivery operations

At present all international parcel operations continue as normal, including in Italy. All DPD depots and hubs in Europe are working as normal and we have no closures.

Our operation in Italy is NOT majorly affected by the restrictions introduced by the Italian Government and largely continue as normal, although there are some restrictions when delivering to certain business locations.

We are also seeing some reduced air capacity to destinations in the Far East, including China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong, but at present this is only leading to 24 hour delays.

We will issue an International Destination Specific update next week. In the meantime if you have any queries regarding individual destinations please contact your local Franchisee.

3. Our process in the UK if a customer refuses to sign a handheld device at the point of delivery due to fears of transmission of the virus.

DPD Local drivers can still make the delivery and will use the Deliver to Neighbour option available to them to capture an image of the property and a Proof of Delivery name. The driver can also sign the delivery screen and record this as a Refused to Sign incident which is referenced as RTS on tracking screens. These processes allow us to accurately capture and record all deliveries as we would normally do and to provide you with full track and trace reporting.

If drivers deliver to a location where it is known someone has the virus, they will deliver the parcel to a safe place. If a safe place option is not permitted the parcel will be returned to the depot.

4. Briefing our People

We have issued detailed communications to all our workforce to ensure they are fully briefed on the latest situation. All our advice to them is based on that issued by HM Government, which essentially says that we should continue to work.

We have issued detailed travel advice to all our people so they are aware of the latest information and know what to do if they have recently returned from abroad.

We have advised all our people of the correct process to follow in the event they feel unwell or experience flu-like symptoms.

5. In the instance of any individual, DPD Local personnel or visitors, attending one of our sites and is suspected of having or is confirmed as having coronavirus, we will follow the advice issued by HM Government

This means we will contact the PHE Local Health Protection Team or in Scotland, Health Protection Scotland, in Wales, Public Health Wales and the Public Health Authority in Northern Ireland, to discuss the case, they will advise on any actions or precautions that should be taken.

Closure of the workplace is not recommended, by Public Health England at this time.

6. In terms of cleaning offices and work spaces where there are suspected or confirmed cases of Coronavirus

Again we will follow the advice of the PHE Local Health Protection Team, or equivalent which at present does NOT require additional cleaning, however this will be carried out if recommended by the authority.

This is inline with the latest policy advice issued by HM Government.

7. DPD Local employees and owner drivers with the virus

At present we do not have any reported cases.

8. Mail and parcels from China or other affected areas.

There is currently no evidence that you can catch Coronavirus from parcels and letters.

We have just announced special measures for self-employed drivers who will receive help, being paid the equivalent of SSP and having their main operational costs deferred.

9. Restrictions on meetings and travel

Non-essential International travel between DPD Local locations has been suspended until further notice.

UK travel and meetings are continuing as normal.


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