Fórsa addressed a meeting of the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response today (Wednesday) on a review of preparations for the reopening of schools, and how the reopening is operating in practice. The meeting was also attended by teacher union representatives.

Fórsa has been advised by the Department of Education and Skills that it has changed the terms of the Medmark occupational health assessments as they apply to those staff classified as 'high risk' and 'very high risk'. Medmark is to conduct a review of their initial assessment by a different occupational health doctor upon request, and will now consider if staff with 'high risk' conditions should be advised against returning to work.

Public health Covid-19 guidelines were tightened last month, following an increase of coronavirus cases. The new control measures announced on 18^th August included limits on both indoor and outdoor gatherings, a restriction on sporting events, and the introduction of a 11.30pm curfew for pubs serving food and restaurants, amongst others.

The experience of remote working during the Covid-19 emergency has demonstrated that work can be carried out remotely in ways that are productive and cost-effective, all while being attractive to employers and their staff. Workers overwhelmingly value the flexibility that remote working can bring, while employers cite improved productivity and cost savings as potential benefits.

Minister Simon Harris has committed to working with unions involved in higher education, stating that “we can’t do this if we don’t do it in partnership.” The minister made the commitment at a webinar event hosted yesterday (Thursday), attended by more than 200 people.