Menu
26/10/2023
DAERA Warning Of Disruption Amid Upcoming Strike Action
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has warned of "the potential for significant disruption" as a result of a planned five-day industrial action.
NIPSA and GMB members across Veterinary Service Animal Health Group (VSAHG) will begin industrial action from Monday, 30 October.
DAERA has said that it "fully respects" the rights of colleagues to take industrial action and that it "regrets sincerely" that the budget situation that civil servants are trying their best to manage has meant that it has not been possible to provide a meaningful pay award for NI Civil Service staff.
A statement from DAERA continued: "If strike action proceeds as has been indicated, there will be significant disruption to the delivery of many of the Department's veterinary and animal health functions, including delivery of official controls and other official activities across Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) inspection facilities, meat plants and field operations. If there is no resolution to the current pay dispute, the industrial action is likely to present issues in relation to animal health and welfare, public health and continuity of agri-food supply chains.
"At this stage, DAERA VSAHG cannot guarantee that they will be able to provide their statutory services from 30 October to 03 November 2023 and would stress to operators of businesses that rely on these services the importance of activating their own business continuity/emergency plans.
"The Department very much hopes that a resolution to the current position on NI Civil Service pay can be found as soon as possible."
NIPSA and GMB members across Veterinary Service Animal Health Group (VSAHG) will begin industrial action from Monday, 30 October.
DAERA has said that it "fully respects" the rights of colleagues to take industrial action and that it "regrets sincerely" that the budget situation that civil servants are trying their best to manage has meant that it has not been possible to provide a meaningful pay award for NI Civil Service staff.
A statement from DAERA continued: "If strike action proceeds as has been indicated, there will be significant disruption to the delivery of many of the Department's veterinary and animal health functions, including delivery of official controls and other official activities across Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) inspection facilities, meat plants and field operations. If there is no resolution to the current pay dispute, the industrial action is likely to present issues in relation to animal health and welfare, public health and continuity of agri-food supply chains.
"At this stage, DAERA VSAHG cannot guarantee that they will be able to provide their statutory services from 30 October to 03 November 2023 and would stress to operators of businesses that rely on these services the importance of activating their own business continuity/emergency plans.
"The Department very much hopes that a resolution to the current position on NI Civil Service pay can be found as soon as possible."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 November 2024
Pharmacies Offer Winter Health Advice
Community pharmacies across Northern Ireland are offering advice and support to help people stay healthy during the winter months. The Living Well initiative, delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency, Community Pharmacy NI, and the Department of Health, provides information and advice on public health issues.
Pharmacies Offer Winter Health Advice
Community pharmacies across Northern Ireland are offering advice and support to help people stay healthy during the winter months. The Living Well initiative, delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency, Community Pharmacy NI, and the Department of Health, provides information and advice on public health issues.
17 January 2024
People Urged To 'Keep Themselves Safe' This Thursday
People across Northern Ireland have been urged to "keep themselves safe" on Thursday, with snow and ice forecast and widespread disruption to public services anticipated as a result of strike action.
People Urged To 'Keep Themselves Safe' This Thursday
People across Northern Ireland have been urged to "keep themselves safe" on Thursday, with snow and ice forecast and widespread disruption to public services anticipated as a result of strike action.
12 January 2024
DoH 'Extremely Concerned' Over Impact Of Strike Action
The Department of Health (DoH) has said that it is "extremely concerned" about the potential impact of planned industrial action on Thursday 18 January. The DoH has said that while every effort will be made to mitigate the impact on the public, there will be widespread disruption to all aspects of health and social care services.
DoH 'Extremely Concerned' Over Impact Of Strike Action
The Department of Health (DoH) has said that it is "extremely concerned" about the potential impact of planned industrial action on Thursday 18 January. The DoH has said that while every effort will be made to mitigate the impact on the public, there will be widespread disruption to all aspects of health and social care services.
03 December 2019
NI Nurses Begin Industrial Action
Nurses across Northern Ireland have commenced 24 hours of industrial action. In response to unsafe staffing levels and the pay crisis, members of the Royal College of Nursing will refuse to do any task that isn't directly related to patient care.
NI Nurses Begin Industrial Action
Nurses across Northern Ireland have commenced 24 hours of industrial action. In response to unsafe staffing levels and the pay crisis, members of the Royal College of Nursing will refuse to do any task that isn't directly related to patient care.
01 December 2021
Lecturers At Queen's And Ulster University Begin Strike Action
Some lecturers and support staff at Queen's and Ulster universities are starting three days of strike action over pay, workloads and pensions. The action is being taken by the University College Union (UCU). A total of 58 universities across the UK are taking industrial actions until Friday, 03 December.
Lecturers At Queen's And Ulster University Begin Strike Action
Some lecturers and support staff at Queen's and Ulster universities are starting three days of strike action over pay, workloads and pensions. The action is being taken by the University College Union (UCU). A total of 58 universities across the UK are taking industrial actions until Friday, 03 December.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
