Fórsa and the HSE have agreed on a set of proposals at the WRC, in talks aimed at resolving the dispute arising from the HSE’s recruitment embargo on clerical, administrative and management grades imposed last October. Talks concluded late on Tuesday night (6^th February).

Fórsa’s head of Health and Welfare, Ashley Connolly, wrote to branches on Wednesday to advise them that the union’s divisional executive had decided to suspend the union’s campaign of industrial action, following agreement on the WRC proposals.

Ashley added: “The parties are now required to finalise the discussion on a framework document, currently in draft form. This will require local engagement, at regular intervals, to address any ongoing recruitment issues.”

Fórsa representatives are to meet the HSE next week to discuss the next steps in finalising the framework document.

Ashley said the work-to-rule action, and all forms of industrial action, are now suspended, with immediate effect, and said members should now forward relevant KPIs, financial data and statistical information.

She acknowledged the “extensive work” undertaken by branch executives and workplace representatives in recent months, and thanked members for their support and solidarity throughout.

In making its recommendation, the WRC noted that the HSE “acknowledges the integral and equally important role of clerical admin and managerial grades across the health service,” and that their role and function is “vital and must be maintained as a core profession in health care delivery.” It noted also that the HSE is “committed to ensuring a positive working environment”.

Fórsa’s industrial action in response to the recruitment freeze led to the cancellation of a number of regional health forums, in addition to delays to answers to parliamentary questions and ministerial representations, while minimising disruption to patients and other service users.

WRC Settlement Terms

1. It is accepted by all parties that since 2022 the number of positions recruited into the HSE exceeded approved funding levels.
2. It is recognised by the parties that the HSE is required to return to the approved WTE figure.
3. In the intervening period it is accepted by both parties that the numbers may fluctuate due to service exigencies throughout 2024.
4. Within the overall approved WTE figure the HSE agrees to replace positions that fall vacant and which are necessary to continually meet service needs.
5. In the context of vacancies that arose between 1 September 2023 and 13 December 2023 and remain to be filled, the parties agree to reviewing them as part of the Framework process.
6. The parties agree to resume engagement to develop a specific Framework Agreement in relation to the recruitment of management and admin staff. This engagement to resume as a matter of priority with a view to being concluded no later than 8 March 2024.
7. In the absence of mobility options for staff working in the HSE, the parties agree to engage with a view to developing a policy in relation to lateral movement. This will commence no later than 29 February 2024.
8. In recognising the vital role of clerical admin and managerial grades the HSE commits to a culture that encourages career progression, through the filling of promotional positions via direct employment.
9. In line with the proposed framework agreement agency staff should not be used to fill vacancies, other than in exceptional circumstances where it has proven impossible to fill via direct recruitment.
10. It is agreed that the number and location of New Development posts in 2024 will be identified to Fórsa. It is agreed these will be filled once the PNS has been approved and that these are separate to any other vacancies.
11. The HSE confirms that clerical admin/managerial grades will be treated no less favourably than any other grade or category of staff in future agreements relating to employment.
12. The HSE accept that staff are required to work their contracted hours only, and discharge the function of a post, commensurate with their grading. Adhering to the principle of “one person, one job” the HSE agrees that staff are not required to take on the work of a vacant post(s) in addition to their own work. However, with consultation and agreement priority tasks may be allocated.
13. The principles of meaningful engagement and consultation as enshrined within successive public service agreements will be observed and respected.

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