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Bristol Amazon drivers ‘work illegal hours’
An undercover investigation has revealed evidence that some delivery drivers working out of Amazon’s Avonmouth depot are being exploited.
BBC Inside Out alleges that drivers working for Amazon Logistics are put under so much pressure that they pose a danger to themselves and our roads.
The investigation also found that some drivers earn an hourly rate that is less than the national minimum wage.
is needed now More than ever
You won’t believe what an @insideoutwest investigation into agency delivery drivers for Amazon has uncovered. #Amazon #BBCamazon pic.twitter.com/jdfixUU1A7
— BBC Radio Bristol (@bbcrb) November 11, 2016
An undercover reporter got a job with an agency at the Avonmouth depot, finding that not all the vans provided by AHC Services are roadworthy.
When an independent mechanic checked the van hired to the undercover BBC reporter he deemed the vehicle dangerous to drive.
After two days of unpaid training, the undercover reporter spent seven days delivering Amazon parcels.
As he was new to the job, he was given an easier route and had to deliver 100 parcels a day. Most other drivers he spoke to had between 150 to 200 parcels a day.
He was told that this number could go up to 300 around Christmas.
“Our delivery providers are obligated to ensure that drivers do not spend more than 10 hours per day driving,” Amazon’s spokesman said.
“As independent contractors of our delivery providers, drivers deliver at their own pace, take breaks at their discretion, and are able to choose the suggested route or develop their own.”
The Oxford-based AHC dismissed the BBC claims as “historic and based on isolated examples which occurred over a year ago”. It told the BBC: “Since then we have made changes to the way our checks are carried out and taken a number of steps to improve our ways of working.”
The firm also said it took road safety and the welfare of its contracted drivers seriously and that drivers were free to choose when they worked.
Inside Amazon – BBC Inside Out Special is broadcast on Friday, November 11 at BBC One at 7.30pm and on the BBC iPlayer
Read more: The economic importance of Avonmouth