The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has intervened in Fórsa’s dispute with local government management over the use of psychometric testing without consultation with staff representatives.

The union deferred its industrial action – set to start last Monday (25th June) – after it received assurances that no form of psychometric or online testing would be used in recruitment or promotions while talks are underway.

Discussions with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which represents local council employers, are expected to conclude by the end of this month.

Peter Nolan, Fórsa’s head of local government, said the development marked a distinct change from the previous lack of management engagement. “We sought and received assurances from the employers because we wanted tangible evidence that there would be proper engagement at the WRC,” he said.