The ICTU group of health unions (INMO, IMO, Connect, Unite, Siptu & Fórsa) have written to the HSE calling for an end the ongoing moratorium on the recruitment of healthcare staff.

On Wednesday 19th June the health unions issued a letter to Bernard Gloster, CEO of the HSE, underlining the urgent need to end the embargo, and that failing action unions would need to consult members on potential industrial action. 
 
In the letter, chairperson of the ICTU group of healthcare unions, Albert Murphy said: “As a group of unions, we know all too well the impact the recruitment freeze is having on our members working right across the health service.”

“Services that are constantly short-staffed are having a significant impact on patient safety and outcomes. When posts are remaining unfilled for a prolonged period of time, staff morale is adversely impacted.”
 
The letter continued:  “We are now at the midpoint of the year, the HSE must provide healthcare unions with the Pay and Numbers Strategy for 2024. It is not acceptable that this strategy has not been provided yet.  Unless the HSE meaningfully engage with unions on how the HSE recruitment freeze can be wound up, unions will be left with no option but to consult with their members and ultimately ballot for industrial action.”

Head of Fórsa’s health and welfare division Ashley Connolly said: “Our members have been put under severe pressure due to this unnecessary recruitment freeze. The impact on members and services is not acceptable – the HSE must act now.  Our members see daily the impact this is having on patients and demand an end to this short-sighted embargo, if not, we will be left with no option but to consult with members and ultimately ballot for industrial action.” 
 
In addition, the unions have sought an urgent meeting with the HSE following the recent announcement by the Minister of Health Stephen Donnelly T.D. which stated that over 2,200 staff can be recruited by the HSE over the coming months, together with 701 posts for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. 

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