NHS supply lorry drivers to strike in pay dispute

NHS supply lorry drivers are set for a series of strikes in a dispute over pay.

Drivers employed by GXO in Tyne and Wear, Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Kent, Warwickshire and Suffolk will stage five walkouts from October 13-15, 20-22, 27-29 and November 3-5 and 10-12, Unite said.

Union members have rejected a 4% pay offer from GXO, which runs the NHS supply chain contract for Supply Chain Coordination Limited (SCCL), and is wholly owned by NHS England.

Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: "There is still time for strike action to be avoided but that will require a deal our members can accept." NHS Supply Chain and GXO said they had "robust contingency plans" in place to minimise disruption.

Drivers deliver general equipment such as bandages, dressings, gowns, gloves and needles to hospitals across England.

Silkstone described them as "dedicated workers" and said GXO had refused to put forward a reasonable offer.

NHS Supply Chain and GXO said they were aware Unite members had voted in favour of industrial action. GXO said it believed the 4% pay offer was fair.

A spokesperson for GXO said: "Patient care remains of paramount importance, and we remain focused on providing a safe and effective operation throughout this period."