Clare County Council workers will now be able to avail of an enhanced flexi-time scheme, granting them greater flexibility in their working hours. The win follows a campaign of sustained engagement and detailed representations made to management by Fórsa on behalf of workers. 

Under the previous flexi time scheme, workers were not permitted to carry a negative flexi balance. Staff could only avail of flexi-time or take flexi-leave when their clock was in credit (up to a maximum of seven hours).  

Fórsa assistant general secretary, Eddie Walsh said “Previously, staff would often have to use annual leave for appointments, caring duties, or unforeseen circumstances. This restrictive approach undermined the core purpose of flexible working arrangements and created unnecessary challenges for staff seeking to balance work and personal commitments.” 

Following negotiations, management agreed to amend the scheme to allow employees to carry forward a balance of up to seven hours positive or seven hours negative at the end of each flexi period.  

Eddie hailed the decision as “a really positive and practical outcome for our members.” 

He said: “It brings Clare County Council’s flexi-time policy into line with best practice across the local government sector and gives staff the flexibility they need to manage work and life commitments effectively. It’s a clear example of what can be achieved through sustained engagement and collective representation.” 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.