The UK could be facing a shortage of turkeys this year – just in time for Christmas.
Staff at the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are voting to strike over a pay dispute, after rejecting an offer far below the rate of inflation. Their union, Unison, warns it could lead to a meat shortage in coming months – which might mean you’ll need to re-think what’s going in your Christmas dinner.
Hundreds of inspectors, vets and office-based staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are involved in the vote, which closes on October 31. If an agreement is not made, it could bring the industry to a standstill.
‘FSA staff play a vital role in keeping contaminated meat off people’s plates,’ said Mike Short, Unison’s head of local government. ‘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.’
This is not a drill: your flat white could soon cost you £4.
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