BEER shortages could hit London and south-east England this summer as delivery drivers, draymen and warehouse staff ballot for strikes over “draconian disciplinary matters,” Unite warned today.

The union confirmed 120 Croydon-based workers employed by US-owned logistics giant GXO to deliver supplies to the capital, Essex, Kent, Surrey and Sussex are currently voting on industrial action.

The ballot, which closes on July 5 and could see walkouts begin later that month, comes amid “excessive disciplinary issues and the company’s failure to follow the existing agreement on such matters,” Unite said.