Around 200 HGV drivers working for Sainsbury’s in Basingstoke have secured a 12% pay deal through their union.

Unite said that 92% voted in favour of the one-year deal, which is above the retail price index, a measure of inflation, which currently stands at 11.8%. It was negotiated without industrial action.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is another great deal won by Unite and demonstrates once again that even in this cost of living crisis, Unite is winning better jobs, pay and conditions for our members.”

Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: “There is power in a union – that’s why workers looking to improve their wages and working lives should join Unite and get their colleagues to do the same.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said, “We regularly review our colleagues' pay and benefits and are committed to continuing to engage with the union as part of that.”

The deal follows an announcement by the supermarket at the beginning of the year that all staff, including lorry drivers, would get pay increases of up to £11.50 an hour.