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.

Professionals in the early years’ sector are becoming increasingly qualified, but staffing shortages are worsening as graduates emigrate or leave for better-paid jobs, according to data in the Higher Education Authority graduate survey.

Fórsa is hosting a series of nationwide public meetings as part of its school secretaries campaign throughout the month of March.

Meanwhile, the Oireachtas education committee hearing on the status of non-teaching staff in schools, has been scheduled for 9th April, and Fórsa has made a written submission to the committee.

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.

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.

Speaking on a podcast last month, Tom Donilon said the impact of technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics and automation was “a fundamental discussion that we’re not having.”

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.