SHOCKING pictures show the state of a Hermes UK parcel depot as one worker claimed conditions left him feeling “like a slave”.
The images, taken by a member of staff, show parcels scattered across the floor and strewn in the back of a van at a depot in Bradford, West Yorkshire on December 27.
The carnage pictured shows the high level of demand workers faced during the busy festive period.
According to the worker, who wished to remain anonymous, drivers are expected to deliver between 700 and 800 parcels during a single eight-hour shift.
The source said workers are “too exhausted to care” as they clock in 11 hours to complete the “impossible task” – as deliveries would pile up.
As such, the overworked staff have resorted to “kicking parcels around like footballs” to meet demand.
Some items are seen scattered on the ground after seemingly falling off the side of a conveyor belt – while one box that stayed on was massively dented.
The source said they now feel “trapped” as they have two young kids and can’t afford to quit the job.
They said: “We’re not being treated like human beings – I feel like a slave. I think the way we’ve been made to work is absolutely disgusting. It’s mentally and physically straining.
“I’ve been in tears and when I’ve told management they simply didn’t care. They told me I was replaceable. We’re all too exhausted to care, I’ve seen people playing football with customers’ parcels. I feel trapped but I can’t afford to quit because I’ve got to take care of my family.”
“I’ve never experienced anything like this, my mental health has never been so bad. I’ve worked all my life without issues but thinking about going to work now makes me sick.”
The worker claims the issues highlighted in the pictures are a daily occurrence at the warehouse.
Among the countless items the worker has seen tossed carelessly in the last month were Christmas trees, decorations and gifts.
In one photo, a brand new £350 43″ television is balanced diagonally with boxes marked ‘fragile’ collapsed all around it.
An internal investigation by Hermes has been launched after the pictures emerged online.
A spokesperson for Hermes said: “We successfully deliver 390 million parcels a year and every one of them is important to us. We are shocked at these photos which do not reflect the standards we uphold within our 26 strong depot network.
“Our compliance team has launched a full investigation and we will take immediate and effective action.”
