Parcel delivery giant DPD is creating 6,000 new jobs in the UK, while B&Q owner Kingfisher plans to take on up to 2,000 workers.
DPD says it’s opening more depots in response to the “unprecedented” increase in online shopping caused by the coronavirus crisis.
The posts include 2,500 full-time jobs as warehouse staff, mechanics, and in management positions, as well as 3,500 self-employed delivery driver roles.
Jobs will be spread across the UK with most of the recruitment in place before October – ahead of Black Friday and the Christmas peak.
DPD couldn’t tell us the salary bands for the roles, only saying they’d be competitive.
You can view the new roles, where they’re based, and apply for them on DPD’s website. Interviews and initial training will be conducted online via video.
Meanwhile, the BBC reports that global company Kingfisher, which is the parent company behind B&Q and Screwfix in the UK, is planning to take on 3,000 to 4,000 workers – around half of which will be in the UK.
These are expected to be temporary roles during the summer.
The Sun has asked Kingfisher to confirm this and to provide more information on what the roles will involve, as well as how to apply.
DPD said even before lockdown restrictions were announced in March, demand for its delivery service had risen significantly as people move towards online shopping.
The company operates more than 8,000 vehicles from 68 locations and delivers over 250million parcels a year for many of the UK’s largest retailers.
B&Q and Screwfix, meanwhile, have been allowed to remain open throughout the coronavirus crisis as they’re deemed essential retailers.
Both stores temporarily closed while they worked out how to operate safely, before fully reopening to the public – although not all services previously offered are currently available.
Chief executive of DPD Dwain McDonald said: “We are experiencing the biggest boom in online retailing in the UK’s history and we are making this unprecedented investment in our infrastructure and people to ensure we can continue to meet the high levels of demand for our services.”
Employment minister Mims Davies added: “Clearly many sectors continue to feel the impact of Covid-19, but there are opportunities in other sectors and growing areas. These jobs span several regions of the UK and are hugely welcome as we switch our focus to renewing and rebuilding our country.”
