British Veterinary Union, UK’s only union for vet staff, says proposed reforms must replace voluntary accreditation with mandatory regulation

The British Veterinary Union (BVU), part of Unite, the UK’s leading union, has welcomed proposed reforms to veterinary legislation but called on the government to go further to protect pets, owners and workers.

The union, which will be taking part in the eight-week consultation with DEFRA on updating the 1966 Veterinary Surgeons Act, is calling for the current quality bench marking scheme to be replaced.

Currently, the Practice Standards Scheme is a voluntary accreditation that the BVU believes should be replaced with mandatory regulation.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Updating the Veterinary Surgeons act, which is 60 years old, is crucial to reflect the huge changes in the sector since it came into force. Unite welcomes the proposals to publish price lists and disclose whether a practice is independent or part of a group.

“Unite’s veterinary sector members are clear, however, that mandatory practice regulation must be based around broad care standards - not an extension of the existing Practice Standards Scheme. Properly regulated practices will lead to better care for patients, better experiences for pet owners, and safer working environments for veterinary workers."

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065. 

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.