NHS supply lorry drivers to strike in pay dispute

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Lorry drivers are set to host a series of walkouts in October and NovemberByDan HallNorth East and CumbriaPublished6 October 2026, 12:51 BSTUpdated 3 hours agoNHS 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."Depots where strike action is due to take place are 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 Tyne and Wear. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, external, Facebook, external, Nextdoor and Instagram, external and listen on BBC Sounds. Get in touchDo you have a story suggestion for BBC Wear?Contact formRelated topicsWashingtonNHSStrike actionAlfretonBridgwaterNormantonMaidstoneRugbyBury St EdmundsRelated storiesConsultants in England vote in favour of NHS strikesPublished6 JulyResident doctors in England accept pay deal and end strikesPublished29 JuneUK wasted £10bn on PPE that left NHS staff poorly protected, Covid inquiry findsPublished14 JulyRelated Internet LinksNHS EnglandUnite the Union