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Following an undercover investigation by the Times, it was discovered that couriers working for Hermes; notably one of Britain's largest delivery companies, mishandled parcels, routinely fail to complete next-day orders and were encouraged to lie to customers.

In footage captured by the undercover reporter in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, earlier this month, an employee at the delivery firm is seen chucking deliveries against cages, walls and onto the floor.

At one point, the depot's manager, Mark, confesses a surge in Christmas orders has led to next-day delivery deadlines not being met every single day, despite customers paying out for the service.

He says: 'This time of year, it's difficult. Volumes shoot up. This depot is supposed to be clear every day. It's supposed to be empty. Never happens.'

Giving advice on how to deal with customers' complaints, the manager adds: 'All you can do is act totally stupid, say: "I really apologise."'

Additionally, the undercover reporter revealed that he earned �8.08 per hour on average - in addition to a �25 new-starter earning; which is below the national living wage of �8.91 for those aged 23 and above.

While discussing being kept waiting to deliver an order in another part of the video, a courier says: "You've got f***ing big houses to go to.

"They've got massive gates, you've got to ring the f**ing bell. You've got to wait for the c*nts to open it, you know what I mean?"

"The best thing to do is just f***ing chuck it over the gate mate, but you don't know how to do it."

Following the emergence of the footage, several giant retailers such as Marks & Spencer, John Lewis and H&M have expressed alarm and urged the company to investigate.

Responding to the allegations, the company said it would conduct a full investigation into the matter. However, it refuted claims minimum wages, saying the average courier is paid �14.88 per hour after expenses.