IMPACT has sought cross-union support for a claim for the development of a civil service protocol setting out arrangements for addressing future national emergencies in the wake of storm Ophelia, which led the Taoiseach to advise workers to stay at home on 16th October. The union says procedures for future extreme weather events should include adequate recognition and remuneration for staff exposed to danger whilst working in extremely hazardous conditions.

The call comes as the HSE confirmed that health workers who were unable to attend work because of safety concerns related to Ophelia would be paid for the hours they were scheduled to work, and would not be required to take leave to cover absence resulting directly from the storm. The decision came on foot of IMPACT representations following confusion over how local HR managers were dealing with the issue.

IMPACT has sought similar commitments in employments across the civil and public service, and in other sectors.

IMPACT national secretary Andy Pike said civil and public servants should be recognised for minimising the risk to the public by their actions ahead of, and during, Ophelia. He called for two days additional leave, on a once-off basis, for staff who were required to work in essential services on 16th October. “The commitment of those civil and public servants in essential services like Met Eireann, coastguard, OPW and many other settings, should be recognised,” he said.

Andy added that neither pay nor annual leave should be deducted from civil servants who were not required to attend work in light of “the Taoiseach’s clear advice to stay at home and not undertake unnecessary journeys.”

The HSE circular was sent to CEOs and senior HR managers in the HSE, community health organisations, hospital groups, and ‘section 38’ agencies.