Vets working in the Department of Agriculture, including meat factory veterinary inspectors, are in open dispute with the Department.

It’s understood the Department, in the face of a no-deal Brexit, has broken the usual recruitment protocol and offered posts directly to veterinary staff.

Recruitment within Department veterinary ranks is usually based on seniority, with expressions of interest invited from potential candidates.

The Veterinary Officers Association (VOA) represents 90% of the 290 vets who work directly for the Department.

“The VOA regrets that this unilateral action by DAFM management has resulted in the VOA being officially in dispute over the issue and the VOA executive will meet in the coming days to consider their response to this unwarranted and hostile management action.”

The vets said the recent actions by the Department would distract and delay the much needed Brexit recruitment process.

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