Fórsa is encouraging all members working in the Department of Social Protection to complete a workplace survey on working patterns. The survey is currently underway to ascertain workers’ preferred working patterns.

The department intends to roll out the Government remote working policy in early 2022.

It’s been agreed that the National Processing Team is a suitable area for post-pandemic remote working, and that the newly-established National Information Contact Centre (NICC) should have opportunities for remote working in the longer term. 

Fórsa official Paul MacSweeney said that the union would continue to engage with management and members to identify other work suitable for remote working.

“We have suggested that staff be facilitated as much as possible regardless of whether they want to return to office-based working or continue to work from home. Obviously any arrangements must take account of business needs and the proven ability of our members to deliver a professional and productive service to customers remotely,” he said.