We, the undersigned, are home delivery drivers working at ASDA Haydon in Swindon.  We believe it is wrong that many drivers feel compelled to start 15 to 30 minutes before their official shift start time, in order to be able to depart on time for their assigned runs.

The current 30-minute window from official shift start time to van departure is more often than not insufficient to secure a van, carry out the requisite SHIELD vehicle check, complete the paperwork/Microlise requirements, haul out up to ten roll pallets from the Pod to the van and then load the van with what could be up to, or in excess of, 100 totes.  This lack of time is exacerbated because loads are not always ready at a driver's official shift start time, and also the excessive amount of unknown/exception totes which need to be consolidated within the main totes.

As home delivery drivers it is vital that we keep up with our delivery slots, otherwise we face frustrated and angry customers, and as a consequence ASDA’s reputation suffers and customers can be lost. The additional pressure is very stressful and can lead to delivery errors, driving mistakes and potentially accidents/mishaps. It also leads to more sickness.

ASDA managers at ASDA Haydon know that the 30-minutes allowed for preparation and loading is insufficient, but most drivers feel compelled to start before their official shift start time in order to be out on the road on schedule, and thus meet their assigned customer delivery slots.  This means many drivers are working 15 to 30 minutes per day for free.

We believe it is wrong that ASDA colleagues are being effectively compelled to work for free. This compulsion is because ASDA managers knowingly don’t provide adequate preparation and loading time.

Managers know the pressure of complying with the customer delivery schedule compels drivers to ensure they leave the store on time. Drivers driving when under stress and anxiety about meeting their delivery slots has health and safety implications.

We believe the regular daily routine of home delivery drivers working for free outside their official working hours creates potential contractual complications, because they are not technically at work.

The extra time spent working for free, if it is included in the calculations for the working day, also pushes drivers below the national minimum wage.

The outcome we desire is to return to the previously adopted practice of scheduling 45 minutes paid preparation/loading time before we are scheduled to depart the store.

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Morning Shift

Shift is 7 hours (420 minutes). At GBP12.60 per hour, gross pay is GBP88.20.

Commencing a shift 15 minutes early is 7.25 hours (435 minutes). The GBP88.20 gross pay reduces from GBP12.60 per hour to GBP12.17 per hour.

Commencing a shift 30 minutes early is 7.5 hours (450 minutes). The GBP88.20 gross pay reduces from GBP12.60 per hour to GBP11.76 per hour.

Evening Shift

Shift is 7.5 hours (450 minutes). At GBP12.60 per hour, gross pay is GBP94.50.

Commencing a shift 15 minutes early is 7.75 hours (465 minutes). The GBP94.50 gross pay reduces from GBP12.60 per hour to GBP12.19 per hour.

Commencing a shift 30 minutes early is 8 hours (480 minutes). The GBP94.50 gross pay reduces from GBP12.60 per hour to GBP11.81 per hour.

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To add your name to and sign this collective grievance, please complete the below form in full.