A SUPPLY chain company has been blasted by unions for “endangering thousands” of workers with “inadequate” coronavirus social distancing and safety measures. 

DHL Supply Chain has been urged to resolve a number of issues raised by trade unions, after reports emerged that self-isolating staff are being forced to survive on statutory sick pay. 

The company, which employs 41,000 people in Britain, has reportedly refused to acknowledge “urgent concerns” over a lack of PPE, with at-risk staff staying at work because of the dramatic drop in their incomes. 

A joint statement by unions Unite, GMB, Usdaw, RMT and Urtu said: “DHL is one of the largest and wealthiest logistics companies in the world and during the Covid-19 pandemic should be leading by example.”

A spokesperson for DHL Supply Chain said the firm was “disappointed” with the unions’ claims, arguing that it has worked side by side in recent weeks to reinforce the vital message around social distancing. 

“Equally, we are not aware of any shortages of PPE at any of our operations nationally,” the spokesperson added.