Canvey: Hermes struggling with Covid and Christmas deliveries

When Sandra Evans, a Canvey resident, realised her gift, being delivered by Hermes, would not be arriving in time for December 25 she took to Facebook to ask if others had similar experiences.

The 64-year-old was inundated with dozens of responses of people and families exasperated with the delivery firm’s failure to deliver packages.

Hermes says its depot and delivery teams in the area are struggling to cope with demand due to staff absences as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“My husband bought me a present and it was coming by Hermes,” Ms Evan said. “Then we got a message from Hermes saying that the present had been sent to the hub, but then he started getting messages saying it was delayed.”

The last the couple heard from Hermes was on December 6 and to this date it has still not arrived and they have given up hope on it doing so before Christmas Day.

“I asked on Facebook if anyone else also had a problem and the messages are still coming, there are loads of people who have not got their stuff,” Ms Evans continued.

“Some of these people are pensioners and their Christmas presents for their grandchildren won’t be here on time, it’s just awful.”

Ms Evans says some of the Canvey residents who reached out to her on Facebook have been waiting since the middle of October.

She added: “We’re okay financially, we’re lucky, but there are people who aren’t, whose presents are stuck and they are worried they are going to have to find the money for another present.”

A spokesperson for Hermes said: “We are experiencing some delays in the area as a result of high volumes of parcels and this is being exacerbated by staff absence as a result of Covid. Our couriers are working hard to address this and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“We ask that anyone who is concerned about their deliveries should contact their retailer/seller in the first instance, who will in turn contact Hermes if required.”