The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has issued a new overtime circular, which came into effect yesterday (1^st July). It sets out arrangements for overtime payments to civil servants who work Monday-to-Friday, and restores pre-2013 overtime arrangements that unions won under the Building Momentum public service agreement. 

The new arrangements apply to all general civil service grades, up to and including higher executive officer (HEO) and equivalent, on the following basis:

Monday-Friday overtime:

Grades up to EO:

First three hours: Rate plus one-quarter or time off in lieu at flat rate

Next five hours: Rate plus one-half or time off in lieu at flat rate

Thereafter: Double rate or time off in lieu at flat rate.

Grades: HEO/AO:

First hour: No payment nor time off in lieu

Next two hours: Rate plus one-quarter or time off in lieu at flat rate

Next five hours: Rate plus one-half or time off in lieu at flat rate

Thereafter: Double rate or time off in lieu at flat rate.

Saturday, Sunday and public holidays:

All grades to HEO:

Midnight Friday to 09.15 Saturday: Double time or time off in lieu at flat rate

Saturday morning (09.15-13.00): Time plus one half

Saturday after 13.00: Double time

Sundays and Public Holidays: Double time.

Fórsa official Seán Carabini welcomed the new policy and urged members to familiarise themselves with the new procedures. “The circular should be studied in full for further detail and clarifications,” he said.

Civil Service Overtime Circular, 8 of 2020 can be viewed HERE. 

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