To help pig farmers overcome the initial language problems with new staff, the British Pig Executive (BPEX) has produced a series of basic guidelines for foreign workers.

They are in four languages - Lithuanian, Russian, Romanian and Polish and cover food and water, handling and moving pigs, restraining pigs, sick pig management, hygiene, useful words and slap marking.

BPEX Director of Pig Industry Development Mark Wilson said: "These sheets cover the basics and will help people get over the first few days when communication can be difficult.

"They are especially good for some of the more technical aspects where a specialised vocabulary is required. This is something that can take a long time to acquire.

"They came about after discussions with the larger pig producers and veterinarians about the communications problems they faced with some foreign workers.

"Russian was one of those chosen because, though not many are from Russia, most of them do speak and understand it, it's a bridging language."

The sheets are available from BPEX and order forms are available by contacting Miriam Drewett on 01908 844749, or by email, [email protected].

ThePigSite News Desk