Deliveries of chocolate eggs and other Easter goodies could hit a hitch across Sainsbury's stores in Kent after warehouse workers voted to go on strike.

DHL staff at the supermarket's Dartford regional distribution centre today voted to take part in industrial action.

The Unite union has asked 350 members at Sainsbury's distribution warehouse in Rennie Drive, near the Crossing, which is operated by DHL, to walk out over March, April and May.

A lockdown picket is likely to disrupt the supermarket giant's supply chain this Easter although Sainsbury's – which is not involved in the dispute – says it is preparing contingency plans to prevent that.

It comes amid claims managers at the DHL branch in Dartford are ignoring workers' concerns and trying to take advantage of the pandemic to employ "union busting" tactics.

The Dartford strike ballot was called after a Unite steward, who was providing support to a member of staff during an investigation hearing, was suspended for challenging a DHL manager's version of events, Unite claimed.

The union says it is the latest incident across the country leading it to accuse DHL of using the "uncertainty of the pandemic" to carry out an "anti-union agenda".

Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: “DHL’s leadership have no one to blame but themselves for the deterioration in staff relations at the Dartford site.

“Strikes and the resultant disruption to Sainsbury’s Easter supply chain will go ahead unless DHL revokes the suspension and builds bridges with staff instead of knocking them down."

Unite said DHL can avoid any disruption to its Sainsbury’s contract if the "completely unjustified suspension" is revoked and industrial relations at the site improved.

DHL expressed its disappointment at the decision by workers to strike.

A spokesman for its supply chain said: “We are disappointed that Unite members at our Sainsbury’s Dartford depot have voted in favour of industrial action.

“Strikes and the resultant disruption to Sainsbury’s Easter supply chain will go ahead unless DHL revokes the suspension and builds bridges with staff instead of knocking them down."

"We look forward to further talks to reach a satisfactory outcome for both parties, but contingency plans are being drawn up and every effort will be made to minimise disruption to deliveries should the action go ahead."

Meanwhile, Sainsbury's says it hopes both sides would continue top hold open dialogues.

A Sainsbury’s spokesman said: “We are monitoring the situation very closely and encourage both sides to keep talking.

"We can reassure customers that we have contingency plans in place to minimise any disruption this may cause.”

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford