The process of reassigning workers to other parts of the public service got underway this week, after the Local Government Management Authority (LGMA) forwarded guidance to Fórsa on which local authority services are deemed essential at this time.

The colour-coded guidance defines ‘brown’ services as essential and ‘yellow’ services as those where an emergency or on-call capacity is required. 

Fórsa has advised its members to read the official FAQ document on temporary reassignments. The union has also told employers that non-essential staff working in critical service areas are being told to attend in some local authorities, even though their specific function is not required at this time.

The reassignments are part of a public service-wide mobilisation to meet the challenges posed by the coronavirus.

Employers have been asked to identify staff who are carrying out work that’s not essential at this time, so that they can be released for critical duties elsewhere.

Employers will identify staff available for temporary reassignment, who will subsequently receive a questionnaire from the Public Appointments Service (PAS). The PAS will match staff to the roles where help is needed.

Fórsa has sought a mechanism to allow staff with the correct skills and experience to volunteer to work in specific critical areas. Although the PAS isn’t able to facilitate this at present, it is hoped that this may change.

Reassignments will be for 12-weeks, during which staff will be under the line management of your temporary employer.

However, measures already in place guarantee that reassigned staff will continue to be employed – and paid by – their existing employer. And they will return to their existing employer and role once the temporary transfer is over.

Staff who are on sick leave, or are self-isolating on medical advice, will not be reassigned. Those with childcare and other caring commitments can be asked to work at home.

Contact the union HERE if you have questions or problems related to temporary reassignments or other coronavirus-related matters.

Read the official FAQ document HERE.