NHS supply lorry drivers to strike in pay dispute
GXO lorry drivers delivering NHS supplies will stage walkouts across five periods in October and November after rejecting a 4% pay offer.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- GXO lorry drivers plan five walkout periods across October and November.
- Union members rejected a 4% pay offer from the company.
- Action affects multiple supply depots across England.
- Deliveries of essential hospital equipment like bandages and needles face disruption.
Lorry drivers employed by GXO to handle logistics for the UK's National Health Service are set to stage multiple days of industrial action following a deadlock over remuneration terms.
According to the Unite union, the series of five walkouts will take place from October 13-15, October 20-22, October 27-29, November 3-5, and November 10-12. The strikes come after union members overwhelmingly voted against a 4% pay increase proposed by GXO.
This labor dispute centers on GXO, which operates the NHS supply chain contract for Supply Chain Coordination Limited and is wholly owned by NHS England. Because these drivers transport daily essentials to medical facilities, any disruption to their distribution network places additional pressure on hospital administration and inventory management across the region.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The affected workforce is responsible for distributing general medical equipment—such as bandages, dressings, surgical gowns, gloves, and hypodermic needles—to hospitals situated throughout England.
Depots scheduled to participate in the upcoming strike action include facilities located in Alfreton (Derbyshire), Bridgwater (Somerset), Normanton (West Yorkshire), Maidstone (Kent), Rugby (Warwickshire), Bury St Edmunds (Suffolk), and Washington (Tyne and Wear).
"Patient care remains of paramount importance, and we remain focused on providing a safe and effective operation throughout this period."
GXO spokesperson
Both NHS Supply Chain and GXO confirmed they are aware that Unite members voted in favor of the industrial action. GXO representatives maintained their stance that the 4% pay increase offer remains fair.
Source: BBC Business
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