Health staff will be able to carry over annual leave if they couldn’t take it prior to 31^st March because of the Covid-19 crisis. The measure was agreed after Fórsa raised the issue with national HSE management.

In a letter to HR managers, the HSE says they can waive local arrangements for the carry-over of annual leave if necessary. It says leave carried over should be taken when it’s practical to do so.

The letter also says that all staff should be able to take the statutory minimum amount of leave in any annual leave year.

Separately, the HSE has also confirmed that overtime and premium rates will apply when staff are asked to work beyond their full time weekly hours. This came after the union sought confirmation that overtime would be paid. You can get the details HERE.