Thousands of UPS workers could lose their jobs under sweeping restructuring plans that would see the parcel delivery giant replace employed drivers with self-employed couriers across the UK.
Unite has launched a fierce attack on the proposals, warning it is prepared to consider industrial action after UPS unveiled plans that could dramatically reduce its directly employed workforce.
The American courier company is consulting on proposals that would see its UK delivery operation outsourced over the next year, affecting 51 sites across Britain.
According to Unite, the plans would reduce the company's British workforce from around 4,000 employees to approximately 800.
By June 2027, UPS intends to cease directly employing frontline delivery workers and instead rely on self-employed drivers using their own vehicles to carry out deliveries.
Any remaining employees affected by the restructuring would be transferred to third-party employers under the proposals.
The union argues the changes would strip workers of key employment protections currently enjoyed by directly employed staff.
Drivers operating on a self-employed basis would no longer receive benefits such as holiday pay, sick pay or the same level of job security.
The proposals would also result in the disappearance of UPS's distinctive brown delivery vans from UK roads, with couriers expected to provide and maintain their own vehicles.
UPS UK jobs at risk as Unite warns of strike action over self-employed driver plans
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Unite has described the plans as unacceptable and warned that all options remain under consideration if the company proceeds with the restructuring.
The consultation could ultimately lead to the closure of 14 package centres and the loss of more than 3,100 delivery jobs nationwide.
UPS currently operates more than 50 facilities across the UK, including a depot at Kingmoor Park Central in Carlisle, although the company has not identified which specific sites could be affected.
The business employs around 8,000 people across Britain and is responsible for transporting an estimated £11billion worth of UK exports each year.
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Despite recent operational challenges and weaker trading conditions in parts of its business, UPS remains a highly profitable company on a global basis.
The restructuring forms part of a wider programme aimed at delivering approximately $3billion in cost savings.
Measures being considered include replacing permanent delivery staff with agency workers and increasing prices for customer accounts that the company considers unprofitable.
A UPS spokesman said: "We constantly review how we can enhance customer experience and improve efficiency in response to changing market demand."
The company said it was evaluating options for its UK operations but declined to provide further details on which facilities may be affected.
UPS added that it remains committed to providing high-quality services to customers across Britain.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham strongly criticised the proposals and accused the company of attempting to increase profits at the expense of its workforce.
Ms Graham said: "The way UPS is treating its workers is disgusting."
She added: "Unite has made it crystal clear that UPS' plans are completely unacceptable and if it doesn't reverse them then all avenues including industrial action will be actively pursued."
Ms Graham accused the company of seeking to drive up profits through the casualisation of its workforce.
National officer Adrian Jones also criticised the plans and said workers deserved greater support from the company.
Mr Jones said: "Our members at UPS deserve far better having faithfully worked for the company for years and helping build its brand and profits."
He added: "Unite will be doing all it can to support our members and prevent job losses."
The consultation process is ongoing, with workers, union representatives and company management expected to continue discussions before any final decisions are taken on the future of UPS's UK delivery operations.