Pubs and bars could be facing a beer shortage over this year's FIFA World Cup and in the run up to Christmas, as the latest industrial action takes shape.

The threat comes after drivers and drayman at logistics company GXO voted in favour of strike action.

It comes as the latest chapter in a dispute over plans to close its depot in Dagenham, Essex with a resulting loss of jobs and "dramatically increasing" the workload at the firm's other depots - one of which is in Faversham. It comes a year after a similar strike threat over pay.

GXO Logistics delivers to around 4,500 pubs, clubs and bars in London and the South East.

Its main customers include Faversham brewers Shepherd Neame, Heineken, Whitbread, Admiral Taverns and the EL Group.

The union Unite says if the dispute is not resolved "it could result in beer shortages during the World Cup and in the run up to Christmas".

This year's football tournament - being staged in Qatar - kicks off on November 20 and runs until December 18. Pubs will be hoping for bumper takings during the event.

Shepherd Neame chief executive, Jonathan Neame, said: “We note the announcement by Unite for proposed strike action.

“We hope that all parties can work together constructively to resolve any differences and so avoid further challenges for those pubs and clubs already struggling to manage the energy and inflationary crisis.”

The walk-outs have yet to be scheduled.

GXO Logistics rejected proposals by Unite that would have kept the Dagenham depot open.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s members are not going to stand by and allow GXO Logistics to make needless job cuts, while forcing the remaining workers to increase already unmanageable workloads.

“Unite is entirely dedicated to defending its members jobs, pay and conditions. The workers at GXO Logistics will receive Unite’s complete support.”

Unite regional officer Paul Travers said: “Strike action will inevitably cause severe disruption to the pubs and bars who rely on GXO Logistics for their beer supplies, but this dispute is entirely of the company’s own making.”

A spokesman for GXO said: "Due to a decrease in a customer’s volume requirements, we are proposing not to renew the lease at our Thames Gateway site when it expires in November to better align our operations with our customer’s current needs.

“Every effort is being made to support impacted colleagues, including offering redeployment to all operational employees. We are grateful for the great work of our employees and are proud of the service they deliver.”