The executives of healthcare unions are to consider an agreement on staffing and recruitment, which was reached over the weekend. It comes ahead of a ballot of members who will decide if they will accept the deal with HSE management, which led to the suspension of planned industrial action. The agreement involves the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Fórsa, Connect, Unite and the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association. Before agreement was reached, 80,000 health workers were due to commence a work-to-rule from this morning. Under the agreement, maternity leave cover in the health service will be prioritised, there will be greater consultation with unions on future staffing decisions and an increase in the conversion of agency posts to HSE jobs. Employment ceilings set under the HSE's Pay and Numbers Strategy would remain in place, but the agreement will prioritise promotion opportunities for existing staff within the health service. The HSE said the deal would provide clarity for healthcare staff around recruitment and the management of workforce issues. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill welcomed the agreement, saying it would ensure patient safety and the continued delivery of essential services.

Healthcare unions to consider agreement ahead of ballot

Executives of healthcare unions are set to consider an agreement on staffing and recruitment, which was reached over the weekend. This comes before a ballot by members who will decide whether to accept the deal with HSE management. The agreement includes the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Fórsa, Connect, Unite, and the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association. The deal aims to prioritize maternity leave cover, increase consultation with unions on future staffing decisions, and convert agency posts to HSE jobs. The HSE stated that the agreement would provide clarity on recruitment and workforce management, while the Minister for Health welcomed it to ensure patient safety and the continuous delivery of essential services.