Talks about a final package of measures to improve pay and conditions for school secretaries, which took place between Fórsa, the Department of Education and school management bodies at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) last week, have adjourned until 24th February.

The restoration of working time to pre-austerity levels will apply to all civil and public servants in the grades affected, including those who joined the public service after additional working hours were introduced in 2013.

A joint union campaign is underway to win changes to a proposed law that the Government claims would give all workers a right to request remote working arrangements.

Revised official advice on Covid-related workplace safety says employers should continue to consult with unions on workplace safety issues, and address staff concerns over plans for a phased return to work premises.

The application of Covid-related special leave with pay in the civil and public service is changing, on foot of revised recommended isolation periods and updated public health advice.

New data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shows that a third of the working population between the ages of 20 and 69 have no pension coverage outside of the state pension, despite ongoing campaigns to improve pension coverage.