To:   All Fórsa HSE Members - Clerical Admin and Managerial Grades

Dear Member,

I hope this notice finds you well. 

We are writing to you following a meeting of our branches last Thursday. Workplace representatives from across the country attended and strongly expressed the frustrations members are experiencing daily, as pressure is mounting for members to provide cover for vacant positions.  

We understand the frustrations stemming from the prolonged recruitment pause. Since late last year, the HSE has repeatedly indicated that the publication of the pay and numbers strategy for 2024 would provide clarity, facilitate local recruitment, and guide decisions regarding post fillings at a local level. However, despite assurances, there is a continual delay in the publication of this crucial document. As we enter the fifth month of the year the absence of a timeline for its release is completely unacceptable.  

We have received numerous reports from our members highlighting the mounting pressures you face in trying to maintain service standards amidst a dwindling work force.

We therefore write to remind members that the WRC Agreement (6/2/24) states:

 “the HSE accept that staff are required to work their contracted hours only and discharge the functions of a post commensurate with their grading. Adhering to the principle of "one person, one job" the HSE agrees that staff are not required to take on the work of a vacant post(s) in addition to their own work. However, with consultation and agreement priority tasks may be allocated."  

Members are under no obligation to carry out the role or function of a vacant post - there is no requirement on members to do so without agreement.  

The responsibility falls on the manager to carry out a process of consultation with members and / or union officials in relation to any tasks that may need to be allocated. It is important to underline again that as part of the WRC agreement the HSE has accepted that staff are not required to take on the work of a vacant post.

We share your frustration regarding the failure to conclude discussions on the framework agreement for clerical, administrative and managerial grades. Despite multiple meetings having taken place to date, the failure to publish the pay and numbers strategy has slowed down progress. 

Finally, please continue to make your local representatives, branches and officials aware of any situation that arises where you are put under pressure to carry out the tasks of a vacant post without agreement.

Yours in solidarity,

Ashley Connolly

Head of Health & Welfare Division