More than 400 Brakes workers secure pay rise of at least 19.3%

This comes after Unite the union negotiated a new deal on behalf of warehouse workers and distribution staff based in Motherwell, Scotland.

Unite members overwhelmingly supported a deal that will see them secure a pay rise of between 19.3% and 23.2% based on the basic hourly rate. Additionally, they will receive a £300 December bonus, and access to an attendance bonus payment of £750.

In total, the pay package is worth more than £6,000 for the duration of the agreement.

Brakes provides wholesale food distribution services from its facility in Newhouse, near Motherwell, to the hospitality and retail sectors.

Unite has also agreed to work with Brakes on its development plans which would see an additional £10m invested on a site extension for 2026. The investment is designed to extend the Newhouse facility by 50,000 square feet to enable the company’s growth in Scotland and could see the creation of up to 100 new jobs.

Reflecting on the agreement, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, said: “The Brakes wage deal is an excellent example of how is Unite negotiating a substantial pay increase for our members. Some workers will receive a rise of up to 23.2 per cent. Unite does what it says on the tin, we deliver better jobs, pay and conditions for our members​.”

Unite industrial officer Pat McIlvogue added: “Unite is delighted to deliver a major pay victory for over 400 workers at Brakes. The pay offer was made following constructive negotiations with the company after our emphatic mandate for industrial action at the Newhouse facility. ​

“Unite will also work with Brakes on its proposals to secure £10m of investment into an extension of the facility which could create a further 100 jobs on site​.”

In other news, McCain Foods has been fined £700k after a worker lost two fingers in an incident at one of its factories.​​