Fórsa has given a guarded welcome to yesterday’s announcement of the largest ever Government-funded stimulus package, which will see over €7 billion pumped into the economy – mostly in the short-term – through supports to businesses and incomes.

Fórsa has criticised a recent Government announcement to improve parental leave provision as the “bare minimum,” which Ireland is obliged to introduce under European law.

Fórsa is insisting that flexitime be reinstated for non-commercial semi-state staff who have returned to workplaces following the Covid-19 emergency and are now back on their normal hours and work patterns.

Fórsa is to engage with Stobart Air on behalf of pilots and cabin crew who will be operating six new routes out of Belfast City Airport.

New official guidance has clarified that non-commercial semi-state staff who return from non-essential overseas travel must take annual leave or unpaid leave to cover the subsequent quarantine period.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has welcomed the Government’s decision to appeal a High Court ruling that effectively abolished official minimum wage levels in sectors like construction.