A threatened strike at a major supermarket distribution centre has been cancelled after agreement which reached over a pay dispute.

A series of walk-outs had been planned in the run-up to Christmas and into the new year which would have had an impact on the Sainsbury's distribution centre in Dartford.

It followed a row between drivers working for DHL Supply Chain and the union Unite.

The union wanted DHL to fund a "substantial" pay increase and improved redundancy deal.

But the action has been cancelled after the drivers accepted an offer of a 6% pay deal over two years and an enhanced redundancy package from the company.

About 200 HGV drivers, who are based at Sainsbury’s Dartford regional distribution centre and deliver to Sainsbury’s stores across parts of London and the south east, voted overwhelmingly (94%) in favour of the deal.

The agreement follows talks between DHL’s management and Unite, mediated by the conciliation service Acas.

Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: “Our members have accepted DHL’s offer of improved pay and terms and conditions, including an enhanced redundancy package. They secured this substantial deal by standing together and acting collectively.

“We are very pleased that all strike action has now been cancelled and that disruption to DHL and Sainsbury’s has been avoided.

"Unite looks forward to working constructively with DHL in the future.”

A spokesperson for DHL Supply Chain said: “We are pleased to have reached agreement at Dartford and that the threat of industrial action has been averted ahead of the peak Christmas period.”

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