The union-negotiated ‘new entrants’ pay deal came into force last week, well ahead of the earliest date envisaged in the current public service pay agreement. The new arrangement will see public servants recruited since 2011 skip their fourth and eighth increments.

The Government has published legislation that would amend professional regulation provisions for health and social care professionals (HSCPs), pharmacists and other medical groups that are subject to ‘fitness to practise’ regimes.

The founder of New Zealand finance company Perpetual Guardian, the first large organisation to switch to a shorter working week, has called on others to follow suit, following a successful eight-week trial. The result has been higher productivity, increased profits and significantly better staff wellbeing.

The report of the Independent Review Group, established to examine the role of voluntary organisations in health and social care, was published last week, and includes a series of recommendations for wide-ranging reforms.

Fórsa official Ian McDonell said the report’s recommendations around reforming the funding model for voluntary health and social care organisations are crucial to reversing the high turnover of staff currently experienced in the sector.

A former US national security advisor has identified the impact of new technology on work practices and employment as one of the top challenges facing governments across the world.

Fórsa’s probation branch will be running a clothing drive to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) on Friday (8th March). The event will support ‘Dress for Success Dublin,’ an organisation that helps women to access employment.