Workers now enjoy a strengthened ‘right to disconnect’ under a new code of practice launched by the Workplace Relations Commission last week.

Forsa has called for public health regulations on mandatory face coverings to be urgently updated to include Department of Social Protection (DSP) public offices.

The Government’s new rural development plan, announced last week, will include a major focus on attracting remote workers to rural communities, with a significant portion of the plan focused on public sector workers.

Unions have called for a minimum of ten days paid leave each year for victims of domestic violence. An ICTU submission to the Government highlighted the disproportionate impact that Covid-19 restrictions have had on victims of violence, harassment and abuse.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has welcomed the news that the Gender Pay Gap Information Bill is back on the agenda, following the Government’s announcement that amendments to the lapsed 2019 bill have been approved.

Fórsa’s civil service division is continuing internal consultations about the make-up of ‘bargaining units’ under the sectoral bargaining provisions of the new public service agreement, Building Momentum.

Fórsa is surveying members at the National Parks and Wildlife Service as part of an ongoing review of the service, which is included in the Programme for Government.

Fórsa members and staff were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former IMPACT president Finbarr O'Driscoll, who died this week.