Meat Hygiene Service statement

Friday 21 November 2008

The Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) responded today, Friday 21 November, to the announcement that UNISON's members have voted for industrial action by stating that the MHS believes that through further talks the two parties can reach an agreement.

Steve McGrath, Chief Executive, MHS said: 'We have noted the result of UNISON's ballot of their members. We have always felt that it would be possible to reach a negotiated settlement which reflected both a fair deal for our staff and a commitment to modernising the Meat Hygiene Service. We look forward to continuing that dialogue at our meeting on Monday.'

The MHS has plans in place to ensure that in the event of industrial action, meat production will not be seriously disrupted.