Abattoir Worker

Also known as:

Slaughterhouse Worker

Introduction

Abattoir workers carry out various tasks concerned with the slaughter of animals and preparation of carcasses. Those involved in killing the animals must be licensed.

Back to Top

Work Activities

Abattoir workers humanely kill animals, and prepare carcasses for sale and transportation to butchers and other buyers. There are three main areas of work.

These are:
• the unloading and moving of livestock
• the slaughtering of animals
• the preparation of carcasses and handling of by-products, such as hide and intestines.

Cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens are the animals most frequently slaughtered.

Animals are unloaded from lorries into lairages (pre-slaughter pens). From the lairage, animals are moved to the stunning pen. Here, the abattoir worker stuns the animal, using a pistol, gas or electric current. This stops the animal from feeling pain. After stunning, the animal is killed immediately.

Blood is drained from the animal and the hide, skin or hair is removed. Internal organs and intestines are taken out. The carcass is then split and placed in a chiller.

Chickens are hung on an assembly line for slaughter, and their heads removed.

Finally, abattoir workers wash down the pens, tools and equipment.

Back to Top

Personal Qualities and Skills

You must be practical and able to work in a team. You should not be squeamish or sentimental about animals and should be able to handle large strong beasts with confidence. However you must also have consideration for the animals and avoid causing them unnecessary pain or distress. You need to be reasonably fit and strong, to lift and carry heavy carcasses.

It is crucial that you know how to work safely with dangerous tools and equipment. You must also follow strict food safety and hygiene regulations.

The work is smelly, noisy and dirty at times. The temperature within the sheds is kept low to preserve the meat. You will have to wear protective clothing, including head coverings and boots. You must be in good health without skin complaints or allergies.

Back to Top

Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Abattoir workers earn in the range of £220 - £260 a week, rising to around £300 - £360 a week.

Abattoir workers usually work a basic 40-hour week, which may include shifts and weekend work.

The number of abattoirs is generally decreasing, although those remaining are larger. Many include further stages of meat processing such as cutting carcasses to make joints.

Abattoir workers might also use their skills in other areas of meat processing, for example, wholesale and retail butchers, manufacturing butchers and meat cutting factory work.

Back to Top

Adult Opportunities

Age limits apply here. You have to be 18 to be involved in the slaughter of animals.

Skills and abilities gained in handling animals are a distinct advantage. Previous work experience of handling food can be useful.

• 5% of people in occupations such as abattoir worker work part-time.

Back to Top