Meat Inspectors (Hansard, 27 January 1999)

§ Mr. Rooker

[holding answer 25 January 1999]: The decision by UNISON to consider strike action by its Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) members at the present time is very disappointing. MHS staff have a vital role to play in ensuring the highest hygiene and animal welfare standards are applied within plants. The MHS pay offer is fair and equitable.

After negotiations, the MHS formally offered UNISON a pay offer with a total value of 4 per cent. in August 1998. Negotiations continued and UNISON requested an offer of 4.55 per cent. citing the total package settlement to core-MAFF staff of 4.7 per cent.

In fact the actual cost of the core-MAFF pay aware to staff was 4.2 per cent, with 0.5 per cent. included for one-off structural changes. The range of awards was from 0 per cent. to 6.2 per cent. depending on performance. Unlike the rest of MAFF, performance related pay (PRP) structures do not apply in the MHS. The MHS's total value offer is on par with the current average civil service settlement of 4 per cent. It would not be possible to justify a higher offer for MHS staff, particularly with no PRP element.

UNISON commenced a formal ballot of its members on industrial action on 6 January. The ballot involved 579 responses, with 352 votes for industrial action and 225 against, with 2 returns invalid. UNISON are now required to give the MHS 7 days' written notice of any industrial action.

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Contingency Plans have been drawn up to minimise the effect of any industrial action and MHS managers are in contact with plant operators to make all necessary arrangements. The action taken by the MHS to minimise disruption should help to ensure an adequate supply of meat for butchers and catering outlets. Plant operators are being reminded of their obligations under the Food Safety Act 1990 and Meat Hygiene/Specified Risk Material and Animal Welfare Regulations.