Lorry drivers are being balloted for strike action, as Sainsbury's looks to outsource their jobs.

Unite the Union said around 500 drivers based in Birmingham and Essex are considering going on strike, as the supermarket giant is set to transfer them to Wincanton at the end of April, as reported by Retail Gazette.

While the drivers don't face losing their jobs, the union says the transfer will mean they are no longer eligible for benefits they receive as Sainsbury's employees, including share save and incentive schemes, as well as a 15% discount card worth up to £1,600 a year in savings.

The ballot for strike action opens today (February 26) and will close on March 11.

Unite has warned that, if the strike goes ahead, it will cause severe disruption to deliveries to stores from the two distribution centres.

As part of a £220m investment in changes to its logistics operations, Sainsbury's is streamlining its multiple logistic contracts this year to just three. Transport services for most of its operations, including Sainsbury's and Argos, will move to Wincanton.

Sainsbury's said it is committed to further talks with the union and has contingency plans in place in the event of the strike going ahead.