Employment agency, Staffline Group plc, advertised for immediate start positions at Pilgrims after Unite wrote to raise need for compliance with agency regulations
Unite has formally complained to the department of economy's employment agency inspectorate over Pilgrim Europe’s illegal use of agency workers during the strike at the company’s Enniskillen factory. The union has demanded the inspectorate to immediately investigate the number of agency workers being used by Pilgrims and whether they are performing duties undertaken by employees participating in industrial action.
Workers are entering their sixth week of strike action for a fair pay increase and an end to a two-tier system of paid breaks. The strike has severely impacted production at the site which produces a range of Pilgrims products, including Fridge Raiders, Richmond and Denny sausages and Mr Brains Pork faggots.
Under the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations (NI) 2005 Act, it is a criminal offence for employment agencies to supply labour to employers specifically for the purposes of covering work normally covered by employees who are taking part in lawful industrial action.
Unite wrote to Staffline Group to formally advise the agency of its responsibilities on 28 July and has now written to raise concerns with the inspectorate.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Pilgrims is desperately trying to continue production, rather than give the workers a fair pay increase. It’s illegal to bring agency workers in to cover striking workers and this matter must immediately be investigated and action taken.
Unite regional officer Greg O’Kane said: “Over the last few weeks, we know the number of workers being bussed into Pilgrims daily from Armagh has surged. In recent days, the agency posted advertisements for immediate start positions at the factory. The department of economy needs to act urgently to ensure the right of workers to undertake lawful industrial action is protected."
Unite previously wrote to the Health and Safety Executive NI asking them to investigate concerns about Pilgrims production during the dispute on 28 August 2026.

ENDS...
For further information or to arrange an interview contact Donal O'Cofaigh, Unite campaigns, communications & press (NI), tel. 07810 157926.