After 12 weeks of deliberation an agreement facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has been reached regarding the establishment of a career progression route for Health and Social Care Professionals cohorts (HSCPs).

The agreement will benefit those working in Dietetics, Orthoptics, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Care Work, and Social Work within the HSE and HSE Funded Services, outside of Primary Care.

The preliminary principles of the agreement were reached on September 4, 2023. Constructive engagement continued over 12 weeks which led to an addendum to the agreement from September. Further discussions are slated for mid-January to finalise the procedural specifics.

The addendum reiterates the HSE's dedication to addressing the staff-to-senior pathway for remaining personnel, including Social Work, within Primary Care. A deadline of January 31 has been mutually agreed upon to accomplish this objective.

Fórsa National Secretary Linda Kelly said “We were very pleased to reach agreement in this dispute in December. The Health and Welfare divisional disputes committee agreed to a further postponement of the industrial action until talks conclude. My sincere thanks to the disputes committee and Fórsa assistant general secretary Chris Cully, the Health and Welfare DEC, the 8 National Professional Committees, our 34 health branches, and our members and staff, who have persevered in the face of significant opposition to achieve this outcome."

Linda continued “There remain elements to be agreed. We are keen to ensure this happens promptly. Once finalised, detailed information will be made available to members.”

You can read the addendum agreed between Fórsa, the HSE and The Department of Health HERE. 

For more on the background of this dispute please see here FAQs - Career Pathway Review Dispute: Industrial Action.
 
If members have questions concerning recent developments in this dispute they should contact their local branch or email here.

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