Fórsa and the Association of Higher Civil and Public Services (AHCPS) have advised the Department of Social Protection (DSP) that desk booking is not appropriate for members who exclusively work in the office.

The Department of Social Protection had moved to introduce desk booking as under the blended working scheme, blended working staff are no longer guaranteed a dedicated workstation.

The Department had advised that they are implementing the desk booking in order to take account of how offices spaces are actually being used in order to plan for future accommodation needs and to reduce the Departments carbon footprint.

But the unions had asked for an indefinite block book of desks for members not on a blended work pattern, and to ensure those who needed to be in the office every day were promised a dedicated workstation.

Fórsa has now confirmed a revised desk-booking proposal which will provide for indefinite block book of desks for our members who are not on a blended work pattern has been received and is now under consideration.

Staff with a reasonable accommodation in place will not be required to share workstations.

Separately, the union has also advised the Department that Fórsa does not support members signing in on a desk booking app when they have already signed in under the flexible working hours system.

More updates on the proposals will follow once the officers have reviewed it thoroughly to account for staff needs and requirements.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.