Retired health staff who are temporarily re-hired to meet the increasing demand arising from Covid-19 will be able to receive their full pensions as well as pay.

The Department of Health has issued two circulars that set out arrangements for a temporary waiver of ‘pension abatement’ for qualifying frontline health service staff.

Pension abatement is a standard practice which means re-hired public servants can’t receive more than the pay of the grade their working in, even if their pay and pension would collectively exceed this.

The current waiver applies specifically to retired health workers who return from retirement to serve as frontline health service staff. It has been approved until 30^th June 2020.

Under the emergency Covid arrangements, the recalled personnel must have the necessary training and experience required to fill the position, and be suitable for the position.

Further guidelines and conditions for the waiver can be found HERE.