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. SIPTU and the Irish Medical Organisation were also represented at talks at the Workplace Relations Commission, which concluded yesterday. 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, reached over the weekend, before a ballot of members decides whether to accept the deal with HSE management. This follows the suspension of planned industrial action. The agreement involves several unions, including the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Fórsa, Connect, Unite, and the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association. SIPTU and the Irish Medical Organisation were also represented at talks held at the Workplace Relations Commission. The agreement prioritizes maternity leave cover, greater consultation with unions on future staffing, and an increase in the conversion of agency posts to HSE jobs. The HSE stated that the deal would provide clarity on recruitment and workforce management, ensuring patient safety and continued service delivery. Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill welcomed the agreement, reinforcing its importance for the healthcare sector.