Hovis Avonmouth Drivers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Pay

Approximately 60 distribution drivers at the Hovis Bakeries site in Avonmouth, Bristol, began an indefinite strike on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The industrial action follows a pay dispute in which workers rejected a 3% salary increase, arguing the offer represents a real-terms cut against a 3.4% Retail Price Index rate.

The Unite union is demanding that Bristol workers receive the same benefits as those at the Hovis Belfast depot, specifically per-product commissions and a 50% holiday premium rate. Union representatives pointed to the profitability of Associated British Foods, which acquired Hovis in July for £75 million, as evidence that the company can afford higher wages.

Hovis Bakeries maintains that the 3% offer is fair and responsible, citing economic challenges within the UK bakery sector and the ongoing integration of Hovis with Allied Bakeries. While the company stated it has plans to minimize the impact on retail customers and does not anticipate significant or lasting shortages, the union warns that the walkout may cause shortages of bread, burger buns, and muffins across the South West and West Midlands, particularly in Somerset.