The Government is consulting on how new employment rights for workers on zero-hours and variable-hours contracts will operate in practice, including guaranteed-hours contracts, minimum notice requirements for shifts, and compensation for cancelled or changed shifts. While the legislation has already been passed, the detailed rules are still being developed and this consultation is a critical opportunity for the meat industry to influence how these reforms are implemented.
BMPA is seeking members’ views on the practical implications for meat processing businesses, including workforce flexibility, agency labour arrangements, seasonal operations, shift scheduling, compensation requirements and the potential administrative and cost burdens of compliance. We support fair employment practices and worker security, but we also want to ensure any new regulations are practical, proportionate and workable for our sector. Your feedback will help us present a strong, evidence-based industry response and ensure the meat processing sector’s voice is clearly heard before the rules are finalised.
All members are invited to send their feedback to BMPA’s Technical Policy Manager, Nan Jones by 15 August 2026. Full details are in the Members’ Portal.
We are the UKs largest trade body for the meat industry and provide expert advice on trade issues, bespoke technical advice and access to government policy makers
We are proud to count businesses of all sizes and specialties as members. They range from small, family run abattoirs serving local customers to the largest meat processing companies responsible for supplying some of our best-loved brands to shops and supermarkets.
We are further strengthened by our associate Members who work in industries that support and supply our meat processing companies.
We are the voice of the British meat industry.
17 Clerkenwell Green
Clerkenwell, EC1 0DP
Tel: 020 7329 0776