UK chicken farming puts workers and food safety at risk

A climate of fear and often appalling conditions grip workers in the UK's chicken abattoirs and processing plants

Britain's poultry sector is in the midst of its annual Christmas bonanza as consumers splash out on festive supplies. But as people rush to get their meat they may be unaware of a dark side to this industry. Previous investigations by the Guardian have uncovered a catalogue of alleged hygiene failings in the poultry industry. And now there are also concerns about working conditions.

To keep the production plants operating and the supermarkets stocked has meant some staff are having to work long hours and on low pay in sometimes appalling conditions on Britain's farms, and in some abattoirs and processing factories.