Fórsa and SIPTU, representing workers in local employment services (LES) and job clubs, are expected to meet with officials of the Department of Social Protection in early November. The meeting, requested by the unions, follows an agreement that communication would continue between the parties about the future of the services.

At a meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection in September, Fórsa official Lynn Coffey highlighted union concerns that a Government-imposed tendering process favours for-profit providers over the current community-focussed, not-for-profit service. Lynn told the committee that privatisation, job losses and a diminished employment service is likely unless the Government changes course, and that dedicated, experienced staff members had delivered the service for more than 25 years and had delivered it well.

Following the Oireachtas committee meeting, the department indicated its willingness to reflect on the concerns raised both by unions and representatives of the Irish Local Development Network (ILDN). The department subsequently issued a letter to all LES partners, confirming that a new contract for the provision of LES and job club services has issued, limited to a period of no longer than six months, extending current service arrangements up to the end of June 2022.

Both Fórsa and SIPTU wrote to social protection minister Heather Humphreys last week seeking follow-up discussions between the parties. A meeting is now expected to take place in early November.