Strike action among 200 GXO drivers delivering equipment into hospitals across England has been suspended after their employer tabled an improved pay offer.
Industrial action was due to start today (13 October) after the drivers rejected a 4% pay offer from GXO, which runs the NHS supply chain contract for Supply Chain Coordination.
The staff are based in Derbyshire, Somerset, Kent, West Yorkshire, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Suffolk and Newcastle and were due to commence rolling 48-hour strikes scheduled into next month.
However, Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: “Following a new offer from the employer, and as a gesture of goodwill, these strikes have been suspended while our members are balloted on whether or not to accept it.”
The union added that should the new offer be rejected, strikes would resume.
Last week GXO said it was working to minimise disruption to supplies heading to hospitals if industrial action went ahead and that it had robust contingency plans in place.
“Our priority remains supporting our colleagues and maintaining open and constructive dialogue as we seek a resolution,” said a GXO spokesperson.
