Hygiene strike 'risks' food jobs

Abattoirs will not be able to operate without the inspectors

Thousands of jobs could be put at risk if a five-day meat hygiene inspector strike goes ahead, it has been claimed.

Union Unison's members are due to hold a vote on whether the industrial action will take place.

The Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) has warned that firms could go out of business if forced to shut for that long.

The proposed walkouts are part of the ongoing industrial action over changes to pension schemes.

The impact on jobs in the long-term is going to be considerable Allan Jess SAMW

Allan Jess, vice-president of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers, said abattoirs throughout Scotland would have to close and that, he added, could lead to firms going out of business.

Speaking to BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme, he urged the public sector union to rethink its position.

He said: "Don't target those that you're not able to negotiate with. We are in a non-negotiable situation. We cannot help their cause.

"Personally I have not spoken to them, but I know there are others in the background who have been trying to speak to them.

"I hope they will listen to what me and others are saying because the impact on jobs in the long-term is going to be considerable."

'Deeply worried'

It is thought almost 900 Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) staff UK-wide, who are members of Unison, could walk out next week.

There are about 150 inspectors working in Scotland.

Hall's of Broxburn, which employs more than 1,000 people at a plant in West Lothian has already warned that the proposed strike could result in its closure.

Cameron Davidson, managing director of the firm, which is owned by the Grampian Country Foods group, said he was "absolutely horrified" at the proposed strike.

More than 200,000 workers took part Tuesday's strike

He said: "Without their inspections, we cannot get a health mark on our produce and we might as well close the factory.

"It's well known that Hall's have faced some very difficult times recently and I am deeply worried that this may be the finish for the company.

"I would urge the trade union to think again. Whatever their cause, is the loss of more than a thousand jobs at the company a price they want to pay?"

About 200,000 public sectors workers across Scotland went on strike on Tuesday as part of the dispute.

A spokesman for the union said a decision would be taken later on Wednesday when its industrial action committee meets to discuss the matter.