GXO employed drivers based in Derbyshire, Somerset, Kent, West Yorkshire, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Suffolk and Newcastle demand better wages

Lorry drivers delivering general NHS supplies nationwide will strike over pay, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today.

Industrial action involves nearly 200 drivers employed by GXO in Alfreton in Derbyshire, Bridgwater in Somerset, Normanton in West Yorkshire, Maidstone in Kent, Rugby in Warwickshire, Bury St Edmonds in Suffolk and Washington in Newcastle. The drivers cover all hospitals in England.

Members rejected a four per cent offer from GXO, which runs the NHS supply chain contract for Supply Chain Coordination Limited (SCCL). SCCL is wholly owned by NHS England.

GXO claims SCCL has said the consolidated pay offer cannot be increased. GXO workers on the NHS supply contract have inferior terms and conditions compared to standard NHS contracts, including a much lower pension entitlement.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Rather than negotiating in good faith, GXO has threatened it will remove the original offer it made. Let me be clear – our members will not be threatened into backing down. They have Unite’s 100 per cent support in striking for a fair pay rise.”

The workers drive HGV and other vehicles delivering general equipment such as bandages, dressings, gowns, gloves and needles to hospitals in England.

They will strike from 13 to 15 October, 20 to 22 October, 27 to 29 October, 3 to 5 November and 10 to 12 November. Industrial action will intensify if the dispute is not resolved.

Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: “These are dedicated workers who play a critical role in ensuring NHS supplies reach hospitals and healthcare facilities across England every day. The responsibility for any disruption lies with GXO and SCCL and ultimately NHS England for making threats and refusing to put forward a reasonable offer. There is still time for strike action to be avoided but that will require a deal our members can accept.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.