CitySprint has announced that 500 additional couriers are required across the UK, adding to its existing fleet of 3,500-plus vans, bikes, and cars.

The new drivers will help to ease the increased pressure on the delivery network throughout peak season, it says, with the business focusing primarily on small and large van couriers.

Specific need is identified in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Cardiff, Medway, Norwich, Nottingham and Reading.

Mark Footman, chief operating officer at CitySprint, said: “With just over seven weeks to go until Christmas, businesses across sectors of all sizes are gearing up for the busiest time of the year.

“This year, with more people than ever shopping online, the pressure and demand this peak season is set to be even more acute.

“That is why we are bolstering our fleet numbers — allowing us to continue to deliver a first-class service to our customers and help them to stay ahead of their competitors and keep operations moving during Christmas.”

CitySprint’s 2021 Collaborate UK research highlighted that supply chains have become increasingly important for over one third (36%) of UK businesses over the past 12 months.

Speaking about the benefits of delivery work, Abayomi Ekundayo, a courier in Manchester said: “Three years ago I was working in a confined office – something I didn’t enjoy, so when the opportunity arose for me to join CitySprint, I jumped at it.

“I love the freedom of being a self-employed courier and providing a valuable service to the business community, as well as the general public.”

Last month, Yodel announced it was looking to recruit more than 4,000 new members of staff, including couriers, parcel sorters and warehouse operatives.