Parcel delivery firm, Hermes UK, is rebranding as Evri.

This comes just months after an investigation by The Times flagged couriers launching parcels around a depot in a bid to save time.

However, the company said the move is not related to that report.

Interesting to see Hermes (that came 2nd bottom in our poll of 17 delivery firms) is rebranding itself Evri.

Lets (charitably) hope this is because it believes it can be a better firm, and does indeed do a better job, and therefore wants to draw a line under past reputation.
— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) March 11, 2022

One of the first announcements under the new logo and identity will be the firm auto-enrolling its self-employed plus (SE+) couriers, 85% of its network, into a pension by the end of this year.

In addition, following discussions with the GMB union, Evri will also be introducing the right to maternity/paternity leave for all SE+ couriers with effect from March.

We’re listening... The last few years have seen us change and grow substantially, leading to a transformation across our company. We've been working with @katehardcastle to listen to our customers and make some important changes to our business. https://t.co/2eopVzaqn6
— hermesparcels (@Hermesparcels) March 9, 2022

Stephen Timms MP, chair of the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee, says: “This is a huge step in the right direction and will help thousands of couriers plan for retirement.”

“I am delighted to see Hermes provide pensions and parental leave in addition to the holiday pay, guaranteed pay rates and union recognition already available.”

Martijn de Lange, CEO at Evri, says: “When we first announced our SE+ model in 2019 we committed to continuing to develop our support for our self-employed couriers and we are proud to have been true to that and be leading the industry once again.”

“Our couriers receive guaranteed pay rates, paid holiday and now a pension but have also been able to retain the flexibility that so many treasure, fitting in their deliveries alongside their other (often family) commitments.”

There will also be “significant” investment in customer service.

This will include Evri opening a fully UK-based customer service team and adding 200 people who will be based in local depots, closer to where potential issues are. It will also be upgrading its chatbot and releasing more phone lines for those who prefer to speak directly to someone.

de Lange concludes: “This rebrand follows significant investment and two years of dramatic growth which has resulted in our entire business going through a major transformation programme.”

“It is more than just a name change – it is a statement of intent of our commitment to leading the way in creating responsible delivery experiences for ‘Evri one’, ‘Evri where’. It heralds a new culture and an even better way of doing things in an ever-evolving world – building on our achievements and successes.”

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