Unite has called on the management at DHL Supply Chain to clarify what impact the administration of customer BHS could have on its operation.

The union said around 360 of its members, consisting of 60 drivers and 300 warehouse staff, work on the BHS contract at DHL, which delivers into its 164 high street stores on a daily basis.

The majority of the affected staff are based at DHL’s site in Atherstone, Warwickshire.

Motortransport.co.uk understands that the operator has held a retail logistics and e-fulfilment contract with BHS of around two decades in length.

Unite national officer for road transport Matt Draper today (4 May) called for urgent talks with DHL management to clarify the situation and what impact it may have on its staff.

He said: “The BHS situation demonstrates that the effects go beyond those directly employed to those working in the wider supply chain.

“It appears that our members could be the latest group, after the staff and BHS pensioners, to suffer from the financial machinations at BHS over the last decade.”

He said the union would be “doing everything in its power” to safeguard its members’ jobs.

DHL Supply Chain said in a statement: “While discussions with the administrators are continuing, it would be premature to speculate on the long term impact of [last month’s] announcement. However we are working closely with our trade union and colleagues at this time.”

BHS called in administrator Duff and Phelps on 25 April. A buyer for the retailer is being sought.

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