Christmas cash shortage as G4S security staff vote for December strike action, confirm GMB

A Christmas cash shortage could be on the horizon after G4S security staff voted for strike action in December.

Around 1,200 members of GMB, who deliver cash and coins to a range of clients across the UK, have voted to strike from 3am on December 5.

Banking clients including Barclays, HSBC and Santander are among those who rely on the deliveries as well as supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda and Aldi and hospitality venues including Wetherspoons.

The union members voted to walk out with 97% voting in favour of action.

It comes after G4S Cash Solutions initially offered members a part pay freeze and have since tabled an offer of a 4% increase and lump sum bonus based on contracted hours.

The security giant was taken over by American firm Allied Universal for £3.8bn last year following a takeover battle.

Eamon O’Hearn, GMB national officer, said: “There are low paid workers doing a dangerous job, transferring the cash so many of us still rely on every day.

“All they are asking for is a wage they can live on, that they can feed their families on, that they can treat their children this Christmas on.

“G4S Cash staff provide an absolutely vital service. If they walk out, we can expect genuine cash shortages over the festive period.”

G4S spokesperson said: “We are continuing to engage with our employees and their union and hope to reach an amicable agreement without the need for industrial action.

“In the event of a strike, we have contingency plans to minimise disruption to cash services across the country.”