Fórsa has said that workers in the health service deserve recognition for their emergency response during the Covid crisis.

The union’s general secretary raised the issue at a recent meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF), which brings together the most senior representatives of Government, unions and business.

He said that health workers should be recognised “in the appropriate way, at the appropriate time, and in a way that’s understood by the wider public service and society in general.”

Kevin’s call came as the Tánaiste told journalists that key staff who worked through the pandemic could receive cash payments or additional leave in appreciation of their efforts. Leo Varadkar said the details could be worked out when the pandemic abated.

Various trade unions, representing workers in different parts of the economy, have made claims for compensation for staff in certain settings, including the health sector.