The so-called ‘pension levy’ has been slightly reduced for all public servants with effect from 1^st January 2014. The change – worth €125 a year – was implemented by exempting more earnings from the levy.

New certified sick leave arrangements are now expected to come into force for most public servants in March 2014, after the Labour Court issued its recommendation on outstanding issues last December. The new arrangements will apply in schools and colleges from the start of the 2014-2015 school year.

The number of clerical, administrative and management staff employed by the HSE and major hospitals has fallen by over 13% since 2009, according to official figures. This is the biggest drop of any staff group except ‘general support staff’.

IMPACT and other education unions have expressed concern that proposals to devolve more spending and staffing powers to schools could increase bureaucracy and reduce transparency in the education system.

IMPACT's Boards and Voluntary Agencies branch has launched a campaign to highlight the invaluable work done by IMPACT members in the youth services sector. This short film features the staff and children at the Balgaddy after school club, which provides a comfortable atmosphere for informal education and recreation and a place to mingle with friends in a safe and fun environment.