Industrial action by veterinary staff of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland continues.

A DAERA spokesperson told Agriland that the department "notes and very much regrets the escalation of the notified industrial action" by a group of DAERA’s veterinary officers.

“Management met with trade union side on June 1 and 18, 2026, with further meetings planned in a continuing effort to resolve matters," the spokesperson added.

Industrial action escalated recently in the long‑running dispute over pay and grading.

There are approximately 30 vets involved in the dispute, the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) has said.

According to the union, the dispute was formally notified to DAERA on March 20, and NIPSA has criticised what it describes as a "lack of urgency in addressing the issue".

Industrial action

Industrial action began on May 1, with members withdrawing from on‑call duties, training activities and supervision of on‑farm TB testing.

The action intensified from June 1 to include withdrawal from on‑farm TB testing and a range of certification and technical duties, NIPSA said.

NIPSA said earlier this month it expected the escalation to significantly impact service delivery, including delays in testing high‑risk TB animals, disruption to meat export certification, and potential delays for imported live animals and animal products at Northern Ireland ports.

Earlier this month, NIPSA assistant secretary Alan Law said: “This situation is entirely avoidable.

“Our priority is securing a fair and sustainable resolution while protecting the integrity of veterinary services in Northern Ireland.”