Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan addressed an event last week organised by the Employment Bar Association on the future of work: “As we emerge from the pandemic we need better lives, better working conditions and a better planet. There are challenges facing us all, but we can’t assume we just go back to normal."

When customers of the Stonewall Inn, New York finally fought back against police raids on the bar in the summer of 1969, few involved in the ensuing three days and nights of rioting which followed could have truly appreciated just how profound their actions would be.

ICTU responded to media reports last week that An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar wants to see a phased return to offices in August rather than September, on the assumption that the vaccination programme continues on course and cases remain under control.

While roughly half of employers already provide paid sick leave, many lower-earning more vulnerable workers have no paid sick leave, but a new statutory sick pay scheme is to be phased in over a four-year period, starting with three paid days per year in 2022.

Minister for health Stephen Donnelly has confirmed that work is underway to develop a workplace menopause policy.

The Raise the Roof housing campaign group has backed calls for a right to housing to be enshrined in the Constitution.