The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) this week issued new advice on returning to the workplace after a period of coronavirus-related self-isolation.

It says workers should self-isolate for 14 days from the onset of Covid-19 symptoms – not from the receipt of a positive test result – and also be fever-free for five days before returning to the workplace.

Staff will be asked to complete a self-declaration form. And DPER says that, wherever possible, this should be accompanied by a medical certificate stating the date of fitness to return to work.

Managers have been instructed to respect confidentiality, and to alert staff members to any follow up actions required on their return to work.

The advice notes that it may be possible to return to work at home, rather than a workplace, earlier than the 14-day period.

Read the DPER guidelines HERE. 

The HSE has produced new guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of spreading the coronavirus in residential care settings, including nursing homes.

The objective is to have as many staff as possible working in just one setting. This includes agency staff who, in normal times, commonly work in more than one location.

The guidelines call on different organisations to work collaboratively to ensure that staff work in as few different locations as possible.

But it says there should be direct discussions with the staff concerned, and that employers should seek permission from workers before discussions take place with other employers or organisations.

The advice also says employment contracts should be respected, and that organisations and services should offer “the maximum number of hours to staff in order to maintain overall earnings,” while minimising the risks for staff and service users.

It says: “Staff should be rostered over the longest possible period, to maintain the stability of the workforce in the work area and to minimise the need for staff to work in other settings, and to minimise the associated risks to service users and staff.

“All providers should respect the staff member’s contractual arrangements and acknowledge that changes required are necessary in the interests of public health.”

Read the guidelines HERE. 

The HSE has this week confirmed that it is essentially following Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) guidance on childcare supports for essential workers. 

Fórsa responded by insisting that this falls far short of what’s required to assist essential health staff, and to maximise the numbers available in hospitals, community health services, and nursing homes.

Last Tuesday, it was widely reported that the HSE was considering paid leave for staff who could not otherwise resolve their childcare difficulties. But clarification received from the HSE on Wednesday confirmed that this is not on the cards.

The possibility of paid leave for childcare was raised by the HSE at a meeting with health unions. But, to avoid confusion among health workers, Fórsa sought clarification.

This was because the proposal seemed to contradict official DPER advice, and it was unclear how it would be compatible with providing essential services during the Covid-19 public health crisis.

Fórsa and other health unions have been proposing a solution where the HSE provides direct childcare support to essential workers or meets the costs of the childcare arrangements that individual staff members put in place for their children.

Last week, the Government announcement that public servants who are partners of essential health staff could be given paid leave to assist with childcare. But Fórsa said this would not help those hit hardest by childcare difficulties – single parents, and families where both adults are essential workers – or assist health workers whose partners have jobs in the private sector.

It’s now over seven weeks since Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the closure of all schools and crèches. At that time, Fórsa and other health unions were assured that the Government would quickly put childcare supports in place for essential staff working to prevent the spread of coronavirus and treat those with the condition.

Today is May Day, and Fórsa is celebrating its diverse community of members who are playing their part during the Covid-19 crisis.

We’re launching two videos today to profile the workers who’ve featured in the union’s ‘Hidden Heroes’ social media campaign. One of the short films showcases health service staff, and the other highlights the contribution of workers in the broader public service.

The campaign aims to draw attention to the huge and vital behind-the-scenes work that’s necessary to keep our health and public services working through the crisis. There’s a huge and often hidden effort helping to make a difference.

From ensuring new, essential hospital equipment is paid for, to processing the hundreds of thousands of emergency Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payments, everyone is doing their part.

It takes a community to flatten the curve, and we all have a role to play. Fórsa is proud of the unprecedented efforts of its members every day – and we’re taking time to salute them on international workers’ day.

Watch the health division video HERE and the public service-wide video HERE.

Fórsa representative Maria Markey was one of five workers who joined President Michael D Higgins in a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate International Workers’ Memorial Day last Tuesday.

The day, which remembers workers who have died in workplace accidents, this year focussed on those who’ve lost their lives to the coronavirus.

Marie has served in Dublin fire brigade for almost 18 years. A fourth generation fire fighter, she’s based in the eastern regional control centre on Tara Street where they receive, process and dispatch fire calls for Leinster, Monaghan and Cavan. They also respond to emergency 999 calls with Dublin Fire Brigade ambulances.

Four other workers also took part in the ceremony – a cleaner, a postal worker, a retail worker, and a nurse.

The commemoration, organised in Ireland by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), took place online due to restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

President Higgins welcomed the widespread praise for frontline workers putting themselves at risk every day, but warned that praise alone is not sufficient.

“It is only by closing the gap between words and action in relation to conditions, safety and provision that we can sufficiently and ethically commemorate those workers we honour here today,” he said.

He said society could not return to how it was previously.

“It would be an egregious error if, through some form of collective amnesia, we as a society were to forget the efforts of these workers, and revert to the place we were too often before the crisis – a society that often failed to value sufficiently these essential, valuable workers who have made such a contribution to the country during this dark chapter, many, as we acknowledge today, paying the ultimate price,” he concluded.

Fórsa official Dessie Robinson echoed these sentiments, saying the ceremony celebrated those currently fighting as well as those who were lost.

“This workers’ memorial day raised the importance of investing in good public health care, and strong health and safety measures for health workers and others who risk their health to protect ours,” he said.

Fórsa also took part in a social media initiative on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in which people were encouraged to light a candle in their windows at 9pm on 28th April to remember workers who’ve died.

Members across the country posted photos online using the hashtag #IWMD20 in honour of the occasion.

See the full ceremony with President Michael D Higgins HERE.

People working from home during the coronavirus crisis are working longer hours than they normally do, according to a new survey. The study by IrishJobs.ie found that 44% of those working remotely are working more hours.

The survey also found that people working at home were finding it difficult to switch off from work.

The organisation reckons that 90% of those in work are now working remotely due to the coivd-19 pandemic.

It says over half of them experience distractions and interruptions by family members during their working time, while 22% are struggling to strike a balance between their job and home-schooling their children.

The survey also revealed that almost 80% of employees missed their usual work environment, especially socialising with work colleagues.

IrishJobs.ie general manager Orla Moran praised the way Irish workers and their employers adapted to the new measures put in place to contain the spread of the virus. But she said it was inevitable that the new arrangements also mean a dip in productivity and morale.

She suggests keeping in regular contact with colleagues, and establishing clear boundaries between work and home life to maintain a sense of normalcy.

Today, Friday 1st May, is May Day, a global celebration of working people supported and promoted by the international trade union movement. The first Monday in May is a public holiday in honour of Irish working people and was established in 1994, but the roots of May Day run much deeper. 

The 1904 Conference of the Second International called on "all Social Democratic Party organisations and trade unions of all countries to demonstrate energetically on the First of May for the legal establishment of the eight hour day, for the class demands of the proletariat, and for universal peace."

The date was chosen to commemorate the Haymarket affair, the events that surrounded and followed a May 1886 union demonstration at Haymarket Square in Chicago.

At its national convention in Chicago, held in 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions (which later became the American Federation of Labor), had proclaimed that "eight hours shall constitute a legal day's labor from and after May 1, 1886.”

Up to this point working conditions were severe and it was quite common to work up to 16 hours a day in unsafe conditions. Death and injury were commonplace in many workplaces.

On 1st May 1886 more than 300,000 workers from 13,000 businesses across the US walked off their jobs in the first May Day celebration in history. In Chicago, 40,000 went out on strike.

The demonstration at Haymarket Square began as a peaceful rally in support of the eight-hour work day. The previous day police had killed eight workers when they fired into the crowds at the McCormick Reaper Works.

On 4th May at Haymarket Square, a bomb was thrown into the police ranks killing police officer Mathias J. Degan. An estimated seven or eight civilians died, and up to 40 were wounded.

The trial of eight protesters that followed is widely regarded as a miscarriage of justice. Four of them were executed in 1887. The remaining organisers were pardoned six years later.

The May Day movement spread across the industrialised world and is now celebrated as an official workers' holiday in 66 countries across the globe.

For more on the history of May Day and the Haymarket Affair visit the Industrial Workers of The World website and see also The Bloody Story of How May Day Became a Holiday for Workers (Time Magazine, 1st May 2018)

The ongoing public health emergency has proved to be extremely difficult for parents around the country. Adjusting to remote working, on top of added childcare responsibilities since schools and crèches were closed on 12th march, has left many parents struggling to strike a balance between remote working and home-schooling their children.

These helpful tips and guidance from the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service (CSEAS) can help you with the kids during this time.

Your work

Adopting a flexible approach in handling work and childcare might be the key to working efficiently, according to the CSEAS advice. They strongly recommend mentioning at the start of calls that there may be some interruptions, and also using the mute button wherever possible. If your child needs attention during a call, do not hesitate to reschedule and end the call, as many people are in the same situation and will be empathic of your circumstances.

Children

It is important to explain to your children that this is not a holiday or a weekend and that you still must continue working. Rather than focusing on the negatives and saying when you cannot be available to spend time them because of work, the CSEAS advice suggests framing it in a positive way and telling them when you will be free to spend time with them, which helps them understand better.

Having focused one-on-one time with your children can be extremely beneficial for them as well, as studies show spending only 8 minutes of one-to-one time with your child greatly increases their confidence and self-esteem.

Education

Keeping in regular contact with your child’s school regarding lessons and classes helps stay on top of their coursework. Many publishers have now also made resources free at this time which can be found here. Zoos, aquariums, museums and many more cultural institutions are also offering virtual tours for children to experience and enjoy, which you can make the most of.

Exercise

The Health Service Executive (HSE) Healthy Ireland guidelines suggest 60 minutes plus of daily moderate to vigorous exercise for children between 2 and 18 years of age. Since this may be tough given the current circumstances, alternative methods of exercise may help. Tutorials on various exercises and activities for kids can be found here and here.

A further extensive list of activities for children of all age groups can be found here, which may prove to be useful for those struggling to keep their children busy during the lockdown.

It is extremely important to remain positive and acknowledge that this situation is new for everyone, and you are not alone in this. The full list of guidelines and helpful resources for childcare can be accessed here.

Fórsa has updated its advice on coronavirus-related work issues for civil servants and staff in the wider public service. The advice covers attendance at work (including for pregnant workers and those with health vulnerabilities), salary protections for those self-isolating, temporary staff transfers, childcare and more.  Read it HERE.

Fórsa is here to protect you if you have problems arising from the coronavirus or other workplace issues. The best way to contact the union at this time is HERE.

We will deal with queries as quickly as we can but, needless to say, the union will prioritise cases where members’ jobs and incomes are at immediate risk – as well as any serious health and safety issues that may arise.

Fórsa has cancelled all face-to-face meetings for the time being. The union is redeploying its staff to prioritise engagement with management on proposals arising from the Covid-19 public health crisis, and to provide rapid and efficient responses to members’ queries and concerns.

Fórsa's main phone line (01 817 1500) is now open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively members can use the Contact Us page on the Fórsa website to submit queries directly to the relevant division within Fórsa and this remains the most efficient way to access advice directly.

Wherever possible, Fórsa staff have been equipped to work remotely. Therefore, members should not attend Fórsa offices at this time. If you have a query or concern, the best way to raise it is to contact the union HERE.

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan has written to members of the union’s Health and Welfare division to applaud the contribution that health workers are making during the Covid-19 crisis.

He said that all Fórsa members had stepped up to new demands, but “nowhere has this been more challenging than in the health sector.”

“Right from the start our members within the sector have been truly at the sharp end of the State’s response,” he wrote.

Kevin also saluted the “extraordinary display of leadership” that the elected representatives of the union’s health and welfare division – and its staff – have shown over the last couple of months.

“Those in the wider union should be most grateful for the role that you are playing and for the unity that is being shown. In some cases that has meant providing leadership to the wider trade union movement within the sector,” he wrote.

Since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis Fórsa has advised members to co-operate fully with the emergency measures being pursued by the Government and its agencies. Kevin’s letter is an acknowledgement that this has placed massive demands on the union’s members in the health, welfare, and care services.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) wants the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) to play a central role in ensuring that workplaces are safe when the Government eases restrictions on movement in the coming weeks.

ICTU has highlighted health and safety concerns in discussions with employers’ bodies and Government representatives over how a return to work will be handled.

And, while unions are anxious to get people back to work as quickly as possible, they have insisted that coronavirus-related safeguards, as well as normal safety measures, are in place and are properly policed.

There are particular concerns that the construction industry, which is pushing hardest for a return to work, may not be fully compliant with Covid measures, particularly social distancing.

Fórsa national secretary Angela Kirk said the HSA would play a vital role when workplaces start to reopen.

“The union is working closely with ICTU to ensure that adequate health and safety provisions and practices are in place in all workplaces. And we are demanding that Fórsa is properly consulted if the HSA has plans to change its protocols and procedures,” she said.

The Covid-19 pandemic is proving to be a challenging time for everyone, with many people adapting to the new work arrangements and way of life. Remote working is one of the new measures to combat the spread of the virus. It can prove quite challenging for some.

It can be exhausting both mentally and physically, especially if you’re not used to it.

That’s why the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service (CSEAS) has made available a list of resources, with useful tips and guidance on managing your wellbeing during these tough times.

Normal routine

Keeping to your normal morning routine helps maintain a sense of stability, which is why the CSEAS recommends going about your morning as if you were heading out for a normal day at work. This means dressing as if you were going to work, having a good breakfast and starting work at your usual time. An optimistic take on the situation can be acknowledging the time you save by not having to commute to work.

New workspace

Setting up a designated work area in your home and ensuring that it is comfortable goes a long way in increasing your concentration and productivity at work. It is also extremely important to connect with your colleagues and managers to maintain the sense of community during this time.

You should also practice discipline around the hours you work and plan out your day using ‘to-do’ and ‘done’ lists which help feel a sense of accomplishment and boost morale.

Taking breaks

Taking regular breaks and walking away from your screen, as well as even a short walk outside every day helps in improving your wellbeing. The advice also suggests taking your tea and lunch breaks as normal which helps maintain a daily routine, and the feeling of normalcy.

Self-care

Using a designated buddy to debrief at the end of the day may prove to be extremely useful, with all the added stress and workload of the current environment.

Avoiding activities that make you vulnerable to infection and getting a good night’s sleep all prove to be extremely beneficial for your wellbeing.

Lastly, it is important to stay in the moment and not be overwhelmed by all that is going at present. What matters is staying connected with your family and friends, so that we emerge from these challenging times together.

The full list of resources and guides from the CSEAS with extremely useful advice to help navigate these difficult times can be found HERE.

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we work, catapulting hundreds of thousands of workers and their employers into vastly different work patterns and routines. Employees are responding to this new way of life in diverse and innovative ways, but it’s not without its challenges.

Now, the Whittaker Institute at the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), in conjunction with the Western Development Commission (WDC), is conducting a national survey to examine employees’ experiences of remote working in these unprecedented times.

They hope to explore a number of topics including the impact of remote working on productivity and staff wellbeing, and how workers are adjusting to new work patterns.

All survey responses are completely confidential, and participants will not be identifiable in any way.

Irish Congress of Trade Unions general secretary Patricia King has urged workers to take part in this survey. “This research will  provide recommendations for employers on how to better manage remote working in the current crisis, as well as more generally,” she said.

Click HERE to participate in the survey.

Click HERE for more information on the project.