The British Veterinary Union (BVU) in Unite now demands staff-specific regulations

Unite, the UK’s leading union, has welcomed government proposals to replace voluntary accreditation in the veterinary sector with mandatory regulation, a move which it has campaigned for since 2021.

The British Veterinary Union (BVU) most recently advocated for mandatory regulation during the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs consultation earlier this year that led to the government’s proposals.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a step in the right direction, and it is due in no small part to our BVU activists and members.

“Clearly there is still much more still to be done to ensure that veterinary workers are treated fairly. Unite will continue campaigning to ensure that that they have the same safeguards as other healthcare staff.”

As well as protections for animals and pet owners, Unite believes legislation for mandatory regulations must include provisions for minimum staffing levels, staff to case ratios and occupational health and safety. These issues have not been picked up in the white paper.

Unite BVU branch chair Suzanna Hudson-Cooke said: “Health and social care regulation recognises the specific challenges and responsibilities faced by workers in these sectors. Veterinary workers work under very similar circumstances and should be afforded similar protections under the proposed mandatory regulation scheme.”

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.