The deal, which was negotiated between Brakes management and the trade union, is worth up to £2,434 for more than 400 workers based out of the Brakes distribution site in Newhouse, Scotland.
The pay offer was “emphatically” backed by the Unite members employed at the site, and will see warehouse workers, hygiene specialists and distribution drivers receive increases of between 5.1% and 9.8% on their basic hourly wage.
Unite said that at least an 88p increase will be applied to the hourly rates of pay for all workers, in addition to a one-off payment ranging between £458 and £515.
The wages increases will apply from July 2025, while the pay anniversary date will be brought forward to April 2026.
“The Brakes wage deal is another good pay win successfully negotiated for our members,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.
“It builds on the successes already made at the company and it clearly shows that Unite continues to deliver better jobs, pay and conditions for our members.”
Brakes, which is a subsidiary of logistics giant Sysco, provides wholesale distribution services from its Newhouse facility supplying food to the hospitality and retail sectors. Meanwhile, a significant proportion of the company’s work comes from government contracts that see it also supply prisons, schools and social care homes across Scotland.
Moving forward, Unite is working with Brakes on an extension of the Newhouse site which should begin next year. Brakes plans on adding an additional 50,000 square feet of space, which should in turn create 50 jobs, with the potential for an extra 100 roles down the line.
“Unite is delighted to deliver another pay success for workers at Brakes,” said Unite industrial officer Pat McIlvogue.
“The package is worth a substantial amount to workers over the coming nine months. It’s an exciting time to be part of Brakes with the expansion of the Newhouse facility and we look forward to delivering even more success for our members.”
Food Manufacture has reached out to Brakes for comment.
