Pubs face ‘beer drought’ as truckers threaten to strike

PUBS risk running short of beer this summer as lorry drivers and logistics workers threaten strike action over a “paltry” 1.4pc pay offer after a year of critical strains on the industry’s workforce.

About 1,000 workers are being balloted from Wednesday at XPO Logistics Drinks, which handles roughly 40pc of the nation’s lager deliveries and covers well-known brands such as Heineken.

Joe Clarke at the Unite union said the ballot could threaten “a beer drought”, but that workers deserved higher pay. He said some workers had lost £10,000 of income after being furloughed and missing out on overtime.

Mr Clarke said: “Our members have suffered great financial hardship during the pandemic. The company has responded by offering a paltry 1.4pc.”

The proposed pay rise is below inflation, as consumer prices rose by 2.4pc in the 12 months to June. A crippling shortage of haulage staff means there is huge demand for truckers at present, giving them greater clout in pay negotiations. Mr Clarke added: “Drivers, their ‘mates’ and warehouse staff are working flat out currently to meet the high demand for beer volumes in our pubs as society reopens.

“A beer drought could result if our members vote for industrial action.”

The Road Haulage Association estimates that Britain is short of 100,000 hauliers. Covid has disrupted cross-border travel and delayed HGV driving tests, while Brexit has limited the supply of workers from the Continent.

Strike action could begin on Aug 23 if members vote in favour.

An XPO spokesman said: “We favour dialogue in all our negotiations. We remain open for further conversations to seek agreement.”