Fórsa met public health specialists last Wednesday (24^th March) to highlight the need for the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) to clarify when SNAs and other schools staff would begin to receive Covid-19 vaccinations.

A partnership of stakeholders in the technological education sector has unveiled a framework approach to underpin a limited and safe return to campuses for some students and staff later in this academic year.

Financial reporting in Education and Training Boards (ETBs) is out of step with normally-accepted accounting practices, according the Comptroller and Auditor General (G&AG).

Fórsa, which represents school secretaries and caretakers in primary and post-primary schools, reported some progress in Workplace Relations Commission talks last week. The process aims to end the long-running dispute over the employment status and conditions of school secretaries and caretakers. Talks on Friday 12^th March agreed the formation of a working group to develop options on a new contract of employment for school secretaries and caretakers.

The new Family Leave Bill, which will extend paid parent’s leave from two to five weeks, is set to come into effect from next month. The period in which the leave can be taken will also increase from one year to two.

Discussions on sectoral bargaining for Fórsa members in the education sector will kick off shortly. 

Fórsa will be in the Workplace Relations Commission next Wednesday (31^st March) for an engagement on its claim for enhanced SNA qualification requirements.

Spain is set to become the first country to trial a national test of a four-day working week, if a new bill comes into play.