NHS supply chain drivers to strike over pay dispute

Drivers employed by logistics company GXO are scheduled to carry out a series of strikes across England following the rejection of a 4% pay offer. The industrial action, organized by the Unite union, is set to occur over five separate periods between October 13 and November 12.

The affected drivers operate depots in several regions, including Tyne and Wear, Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Kent, Warwickshire, and Suffolk. They are responsible for delivering essential medical equipment—such as bandages, dressings, gloves, and needles—to hospitals via the NHS supply chain contract.

Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone stated that while strike action could still be avoided through an acceptable deal, GXO has failed to provide a reasonable offer. GXO has defended its 4% proposal as fair and stated that it has robust contingency plans in place to minimize disruption to patient care and hospital operations.