DPER advises flexibility over childcare

by Bernard Harbor

Local authority workers have been advised to attend work as usual unless alternative arrangements are agreed with their line managers. This includes staff in libraries and museums, which will be closed from today (Friday).

The advice came after Fórsa sought clarification from local authority management yesterday (Thursday), following the announcement that nation’s cultural institutions are to close as part of the Government’s response to the Covid-19 public health crisis.

The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which represents local authority management, said line managers would give consideration to applications for special leave, but said there was an onus on councils to provide essential services. Most local authority facilities remain open at this time.

In related news, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) issued new guidance on civil and public service working arrangements yesterday (Thursday) evening on foot of its announcement of school closures and other radical measures to deal with the Covid-19 public health crisis.

The guidance calls on managers and employees to be flexible in circumstances where staff have to mind children on foot of school or crèche closures. In this regard, it recommends measures like home working, flexible shifts, or longer opening hours.

It advises staff who experience coronavirus-related childcare difficulties to stay in regular contact with their managers.

“Employees should work from home where possible. Employers need to implement alternative working arrangements to support employees to attend work. For example, this could include flexible shifts and longer opening hours, to support the provision of services while supporting social distancing measures,” it says.

The guidance says staff redeployment across the civil and public services could be required to ensure the maintenance of essential services, and also calls for the reassignment of staff within organisations to prioritise the most critical services.

Fórsa will continue to update members as developments unfold. Keep an eye on www.forsa.ie.

Read the DPER guidance HERE.