Fórsa is in discussions with civil service management on the provision of antigen tests and medical-grade face masks for workers. The union says the additional safety measures are needed following changes to the rules on close contacts.

Right now, staff in Revenue and the court service can avail of medical-grade face masks and antigen tests. Fórsa has welcomed this, but says other departments should follow suit.

The union’s top civil service official Derek Mullen explained that the provision of self-tests and high-grade face masks has been an issue for workers, especially those in customer facing roles.

“This has been an issue of concern in the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and other Departments, particularly those with public offices,” he said.

Following a query from Fórsa, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has said that DSP and other departments are now considering the provision of tests and masks as part of an updated risk assessment process.

Discussions with management continue.