A circular has issued from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage confirming new overtime arrangements for clerical/administrative workers and analogous grades in local authorities. 

Effective from 1st August 2025, Circular EL 06/2025 revokes Circular EL 02/2021, which will therefore no longer be in effect. 

The policy covers anyone working in a clerical or administrative grade, or analogous grade. The circular adjusts the overtime divisor from 37 to 35 hours per week. 

National secretary Richy Carrothers said: “Fórsa has been seeking to end the unfair and unequal practice regarding the overtime divisor used in the local government sector. After lengthy pursuit of this issue, local authorities will now reduce the overtime divisor from 37 hours to 35 hours from the 1st August 2025. 

“This is a major development for workers in local authorities, it’s been a long fight, and we’re pleased that workers will now have overtime fairly remunerated. It was a legacy problem dating from the Haddington Road Agreement which has now been resolved.” 

Overtime is defined as extra attendance outside of the standard working week that is unavoidable, and it is only payable after the completion of the required working hours for the grade in question.  

Richy encouraged members to read and familiarise themselves with the circular, which explains the new arrangements, rates of pay and how overtime is calculated for staff who are work-sharing. You can read it here.  

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