Livestock farmers have been warned there could be disruption next week as Meat Hygiene Service staff belonging to UNISON have given notice of a three day strike from Tuesday 2 to Thursday 4 December.
EBLEX and BPEX are advising farmers to check their normal outlets before
marketing finished stock for slaughter next week.
EBLEX Senior Regional
Manager, Nick Allen, said: "With a possible shortage of MHS staff, some
abattoirs may choose not to operate during the strike and may increase
throughputs on other days.
"Farmers should be aware that there may be
fluctuations in demand for their cattle and sheep during the week and should
make sure they get the best advice from their normal market or meat plant on
when to supply animals."
BPEX Strategy Co-ordinator Andrew Knowles said:
“It would be sensible for pig producers to have some contingency plans in place
as the normal production cycle could be disrupted.”
The Meat Hygiene
Service has already said it has plans in place to ensure meat production will
not be seriously disrupted.