Since May, Fórsa and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) have been working on the design and implementation of a job evaluation scheme for workers in local authorities. A further hearing took place at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on Monday 15th December and significant progress was made.  

Key elements for the rollout of the scheme have now been agreed. Head of division Richy Carrothers said: “It’s really welcome that we have advanced towards the development and implementation of a job evaluation scheme for the sector.  

“Job evaluation is of central importance to our members. It’s a basic question of fairness; everyone should be paid for the work they actually do. Nonetheless, it’s important to get the details of how the scheme will operate right, and that’s what these talks have been focused on.” 

The scheme will initially be rolled out as a pilot, and the locations of the pilot scheme have now been confirmed as Cork City Council, Meath County Council and Longford County Council. 

A senior dedicated resource will be provided by the LGMA to support the development of the scheme, and a chairperson will be agreed between the parties and appointed to facilitate operationalisation, within the criteria agreed in May of this year.  

It was also agreed that the parties will continue their constructive engagement locally to ensure the scheme is fit for purpose and return to the WRC in March 2026 to review progress.  

Richy concluded: “We’re now closer than we have ever been to having a working job evaluation scheme, and I would like to take this opportunity to say well done to all the members who have fought for this tirelessly.”  

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