Meat hygiene inspectors have voted to strike in a row over work patterns and overtime in the busy pre-Christmas period.

Unison, which represents 1,000 workers in the Meat Hygiene Service, said there was a two to one backing for industrial action.

The union said workers were objecting to planned cuts to overtime payments as well as the introduction of new work patterns.

Unison warned a strike would "seriously disrupt" supplies of meat to supermarkets in the crucial time for retailers.

National officer Simon Watson said: "This is a decisive vote for strike action and shows the strength of feeling of meat inspectors.

"Unless the employers abandon their plans and get back around the table to negotiate a settlement, the industry could lose millions of pounds in lost meat production in the run-up to Christmas."

The union will meet on Monday to discuss the next move.

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