Industrial action threat over UPS's failure to provide toilet access to drivers

UPS is in talks with its drivers after the union Unite said industrial action could be on the cards over a lack of toilet access at night.

Unite claims around 350 HGV drivers across 50 UPS depots have been blocked from using toilets when making night-time deliveries.

Unite national officer for road transport and logistics Matt Draper said: “For the last year Unite has been pressing the UPS management to show a little humanity and make toilets available for drivers who arrive at their depots late at night.

This nocturnal ban affects about 350 ‘feeder’ drivers who deliver parcels and other packages between UPS depots in the UK, as well as the agency drivers UPS uses at night time.”

Unite said the company has cited security as the reason for blocking access, although HSE has already stated that this is not a protection in law.

The union said it would ballot its members for industrial action to start in the New Year if the situation was not resolved.

A UPS spokesman said: “We are aware of the issue and are currently in conversation to ensure the needs of our drivers are met.”

• See our dedicated toilet access page for a guide to your drivers' lawful rights.