Traditional delivery methods could be costing the UK economy £192m in sick days, claims Shutl

A national survey of UK consumers’ online shopping habits commissioned by Shutl has suggested that almost 5% of people have taken ‘sick days’ from work in order to wait in for a delivery, potentially costing the UK economy and employers millions of pounds each year. Shutl has claimed that the survey “raises questions over the UK’s current methods of delivery” and shows that businesses and consumers must “embrace new approaches” to receiving products purchased online.

The survey also indicated almost 50% of the UK population are planning to carry out the majority of their Christmas shopping online this year which – claimed Shutl – suggests that “employers could face more ‘Christmas sickies’ than usual as the UK approaches the festive party season”.

And choosing to receive parcels at the office rather than at home is not an option for many – as the Shutl survey found that “over 25% of online shoppers in the UK claim that their workplace is not happy for them to receive personal deliveries at work”.

Commented on the results, Jason Tavaria, Head of Direct at Shutl, said: “The research is a real eye opener when it comes to the lengths that people are prepared to go to to avoid getting that ‘missed delivery’ slip through the door.”

The “new approaches” which Shutl believes we should “embrace” do – of course – include its own  same-day delivery service with a one-hour preferred slot (so people don’t have to be house-bound all day) and its recently-launched ‘click-and-don’t-collect’ offering.