Tireless technicians

Across the UK, more than 1,100 technicians in our Fleet workshops continue to ensure our vehicles remain safely on the road.

Due to our one person, one van rule, we need more vehicles to continue to deliver an outstanding service for our customers.

‘Without the vehicles, nothing would move in the network,’ said John Hart, cluster workshop manager for Sheffield, Chesterfield, Grimsby and Lincoln.

‘We’ve even put the vehicles going for sale or write off back on the road. Our postal service simply wouldn’t be able to function without the vehicles, and we’re able to turn them around so fast due to the hard work and commitment of the workshop team.’

At the workshops, technicians are busy repairing faulty vehicles as quickly as possible to ensure the safety of our drivers and customers.

‘The types of issues we see in the workshop are really fluid,’ explained technician James Dixey, from Sheffield.

‘Particularly at the start of the crisis, we had to think outside of the box when it came to replacement parts as many of our suppliers were closed. We’re a great team; everybody mucks in and does a bit of everything, which gives you a good cross-section of knowledge.’

Social distancing guidelines have also forced the workshops to alter their working practices, from staggering shifts and break times, to introducing new hygiene routines.

‘The first thing we do when a vehicle comes in is wipe down the keys and any touch points, such as the gear stick and steering wheel. If there has been a confirmed case of coronavirus, the entire vehicle in question is cleaned by a designated team,’ explained John.

‘Our priority is to do all we can to support our colleagues in the operation,’ said Stewart Ferrie, workshops operations manager. ‘It really helps if drivers complete their vehicle checks and report any defects promptly so that they can be rectified before they lead to a breakdown.’

Pictured: Andy Terry, technician, Sheffield Fleet Workshop.