HGV DRIVERS delivering some of Britain’s most popular bread brands have accepted an 8.5 per cent pay rise, Unite said today.

Some 60 workers based at Allied Bakeries’ Sighthill depot in Scotland overwhelmingly accepted the two-year deal.

Due to rota changes within the agreement, drivers will get an extra day’s holiday, on January 2, every other year.

The pay deal, which is backdated to August 1, amounts to a 5 per cent increase in the first year and 3.5 per cent in the second.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said that it would provide a “timely pay increase and extra security” for the drivers.

Industrial officer Andrew Brown added: “The inflation-beating pay increase for HGV drivers based at Allied Bakeries’ Sighthill depot is a good deal which received the overwhelming support of our membership.

“It is clear that if drivers in Scotland want to secure better pay and conditions, then they should join Unite and ensure their colleagues join as well.”

Allied Bakeries produces Kingsmill, Allinson’s and Sunblest branded loaves.