Talks on a long-term framework for ‘blended working’ in the civil service got underway last Friday (24th September) and intensified this week. The aim is to agree a long-term framework for managing remote working, which will supersede arrangements put in place during the pandemic.

Fórsa is seeking additional staff in the Department of Social Protection to underpin services and reflect the increased numbers of people on the live register. Staffing in Intreo centres is currently inadequate to restore normal ‘pre-Covid’ opening hours the union says.

Childcare is an essential public service that should be properly funded by the State, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has said.

The independent body established to make recommendations on the implementation of a Government commitment to resolve the issue of the so-called ‘Haddington Road hours’ resumed work this month, following the summer break.

Ireland has the fourth lowest rate of employment in the European Union among people with a disability, according to a new study from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). 

The National Women’s Council (NWC) has called on the Government to invest in vital public services and social infrastructure in Budget 2022, including publicly-provided childcare.

The living wage has reached €12.90 an hour, well above the official statutory minimum wage of €10.20. That’s because rent increases, transport and energy costs have pushed the measure up by 60 cent in the last year, according to the Living Wage Technical Group.