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Drivers claim that Dixons is 'changing the goalposts'
Page 8
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Dixons and Currys drivers say the retailers are pushing them to install white goods without training or additional pay. Chris Tindall reports.
ANGRY OWNER-drivers working for the high street electrical stores Currys and Dixons allege that a catalogue of deteriorating working conditions is putting a huge strain on their finances.
The drivers, who wish to remain anonymous, claim the stores no longer pay them for deliveries if customers are not at home or if the goods have to be returned.
They also say that an advertising campaign offering free installation means they are installing washing machines, dishwashers and fridge-freezers with little experience and no extra pay. In addition, owner-drivers allege that they are retrieving an increasing amount of 'scrap' equipment from customers' homes and not being paid for it.
One driver says: "They [Dixons and Currys] are changing the goalposts as they go along to whatever suits them. We used to get paid slightly more for plasma TVs or big American-style fridgefreezers. But they have reduced the rates on those to the standard rate.
"It's taking an awful lot more time out of our day and we aren't being paid any extra for it.If someone paid a plumber to install a washing machine it would be 1...10 an hour."
Another driver says: "We haven't had any skills training; we are not qualified." He adds: "I'm servicing my debts, living off my wife's wage. I'm paying £1.600 per month for two vehicles and have my mortgage and everything else too."
A spokesman for DSGi, parent company for the stores, wouldn't respond to the drivers' allegations, but says it is "happy to discuss any outstanding issues that drivers may have".
Drivers are concerned about being moved to a franchise operation, although Dixons says: "[This] will significantly reduce annual costs for drivers and deliver consistently higher standards." However drivers dispute this.
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