Joanne Thomas

Joanne Thomas is a British trade unionist who serves as the General Secretary of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers. Elected in April 2025, she became the union's first female leader and took up office following the retirement of Paddy Lillis in July 2025. She formally began the role on 28 July 2025. She joined Usdaw as a workplace representative while employed at wholesaler Makro, later becoming an Area Organiser in Newcastle and then the union's North East Regional Secretary.

General Secretary of Usdaw Usdaw announced Thomas's unopposed election as General Secretary on 14 April 2025. The union stated that outgoing General Secretary Paddy Lillis would retire on 25 July 2025, with Thomas succeeding him. She started in post on 28 July 2025.

Views and priorities Ahead of taking office, Thomas said she wanted Usdaw to secure “practical solutions” as artificial intelligence expands in retail, and to step up organising in the gig economy.

Personal life Thomas has spoken about becoming an Usdaw rep at 18 while struggling to make ends meet as a single mother, helping her to understand cost-of-living pressures faced by Usdaw members.