Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Food inspectors strike vote could lead to turkey shortage at Christmas

Meat industry at risk of standstill over pay dispute, warns union

Liam James
Wednesday 19 October 2022 00:27 BST
Mick Lynch criticises government's new anti-strike action plans

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A strike by staff at the Food Standards Agency (FSA) could lead to Christmas meat shortages, their union has said.

The staff, represented by Unison, are being balloted for strike action over a pay dispute after rejecting an offer far below the rate of inflation.

Hundreds of inspectors, vets and office-based staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are involved, and could bring the industry to a halt if they vote to walk out.

Earlier this year they voted to reject a pay offer of between 2 per cent and 5 per cent. The union is demanding a rise of 10 per cent.

A positive vote in the ballot, which closes on 31 October, would see staff strike for the first time since 2014.

Britain is heading for a winter of discontent as up to one in 16 employees, or 1.9 million people, are either set to strike or be balloted for industrial action in the coming months.

Teachers, nurses and junior doctors are among those threatening action in the fight for pay rises to help workers counter the impact of soaring inflation.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is holding its annual meeting this week in Brighton. A motion calling for it to coordinate industrial action by striking unions this winter is thought likely to pass on Wednesday.

Unison, a TUC member which represents service workers, said the FSA strikes could take place in the run-up to and over Christmas.

“FSA staff play a vital role in keeping contaminated meat off people’s plates,” Unison head of local government Mike Short said.

“But many have to work in difficult and unpleasant conditions inspecting carcasses for signs of disease.

“These employees protect consumers, ensure good animal welfare, and must be rewarded accordingly. The FSA needs to come up with a significantly higher offer to avoid any disruption.”

Robert Locker, head of field operations at the Food Standards Agency said that the organisation has contingency plans in place if the workers decide to strike.

“We are aware that Unison is currently balloting its members and the ballot closes on 31 October,” he said.

“We await the ballot result and notification from Unison of its next steps. Should Unison decide to take industrial action, our contingency plans will help minimise any disruption to meat supplies.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in