FAO:  Fórsa Health & Welfare Members working in the HSE & Section 38 hospitals and organisations

Colleagues,

We have become aware that, in some regions, proposals are being advanced to end all management and administrative agency cover on or before 1st September 2026. This is in addition to the ever-increasing number of vacancies already placing significant pressure on services and on our members.

As you know, there is a WRC agreement in place which protects members and clearly states that the HSE will adhere to the principle of One Person One Job. Fórsa’s position is clear, members should not carry out the role or functions of a vacant post, or of a position previously covered by an agency colleague whose contract has ended, unless this has been agreed with the union. 

To support members, we have developed an email template which members should send to their managers if they are requested to cover posts or take on additional duties arising from vacancies or the ending of agency cover. 

Download the email template by clicking here.

We have also written to the HSE CEO and to each Regional Executive Officer, setting out our position.  In addition, we have developed digital and hard copy posters for distribution across your workplace.  We would encourage you to print these posters and ensure they are visible in each department. 

You can print the colour poster by clicking here, or you can print a black and white version by clicking here.

These materials will reinforce the message that members should not cover vacant posts or posts where agency cover has been ended without replacement unless this has been agreed through the union.   

It is time for us to stand together. If the employer decides not to replace a post, they must engage with the union to reach agreement on how the duties associated with that post will be managed.

We cannot continue to cover over the cracks. Staff shortages are having a significant impact, and services are being maintained only through the goodwill of members. Together we will protect the right to one person, one job and we will support members if they are requested to take on additional duties without agreement.

If members are being asked to cover vacant posts, please amend the email template and send it to the appropriate manager. Please also notify your workplace representative, branch and union official without delay so that we can provide the necessary support.

We will continue to update you in relation to any discussion but in the meantime do not take on the role of a vacant post without agreement. 

Finally, we would like to remind you that a national ballot of all members working in the public and civil service is underway. It closes next week on Tuesday 1st September. If you have not yet already voted, please do so as soon as possible. For more information on the ballot click here.

Kind regards, 

Ashley & Ryan

Ashley Connolly
Head of Health & Welfare 

Ryan McKinney
National Secretary Health & Welfare