Driving on

With an incredible 70 years’ service between them, network logistics drivers David Wallworth and Paul Johnson thought 2019 would be the year they would finally hang up their lanyards and begin their well-earned retirements. 

But when transport manager John Fleming realised he might lose two of his most experienced drivers, he proposed a solution: they could share the delivery route up to Glasgow, with Paul taking on three nights and David doing two. 

‘They’re such nice guys, I didn’t want to let them go,’ said John. ‘You can’t buy the experience they’ve got. As a transport manager you want people you can trust – you’re only as good as your team.’ 

For David, a keen cyclist who enjoys racing around the beautiful countryside near his Southport home, the extra days off give him time to dedicate to his sport. 

‘The nature of this job is sedentary,’ he said. ‘And I thought I didn’t want to lose the fitness I’d gained as a postman, so I took up cycling.’

Having eight days off at a time allows David to challenge his body in training – but still have time to recover. ‘The fitness side of it is amazing,’ he said. ‘Not being stressed and having sufficient recovery time has made a huge difference.’ 

Paul had similar motivations for wanting to retire. Recent health troubles had persuaded him maybe it was best to take more time for himself. ‘I’ve got my pension, so I didn’t need to be working all those hours,’ he said. 

But when John proposed that Paul could share the Glasgow route with David, he leapt at the chance. As a stalwart of the local rugby club, the six days off he now enjoys have given him time to concentrate on his game ¬– and appreciate a few pints with his mates afterwards. 

‘It’s great for my rugby,’ said Paul. ‘With the time off, you feel better in yourself. The level of tiredness you feel here, it’s sometimes like someone’s knocked the stuffing out of you.’ 

Paul says, though, that the shift to part-time has been life-changing: ‘It’s great, just amazing.’ 

David agrees: ‘It’s been a complete lifestyle change – so relaxing.’