DUBLIN: The INMO said that those who went on leave in connection with COVID-19 would get allowances and premium pay along with their basic salary.
As per the agreement signed by INMO and HSE in November, which came into force in March 2020, health workers on pandemic leave receive a substantial amount under this category. However, INMO sources said that the number of beneficiaries of the scheme is relatively low. Notice of Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19 (SLWP) was issued through a special circular.
In addition to the basic salary, they will receive extra pay, special allowances, and premium hourly payments that would normally be due on the day they lose their job due to COVID leave.
Most of those who had previously taken leave related to COVID-19 were receiving only a basic salary at that time. But reports suggest that hundreds of employees have not received additional pay, special allowances and premium hourly payments even after HSE and the government reached an agreement in November. Eligible candidates can apply for these benefits through their current employer.
The special paid leave period is a maximum of 28 days. After that, if treatment or rest is required, it will be considered as normal sick leave. But COVID special leave will not be considered as sick leave.
The Tánaiste and Minister of Health had made it clear that the Government was sympathetically considering the need of the general public to compensate the nurses and health workers in Ireland for their valuable service during the COVID crisis.
About 80% of those polled by a local online media outlet supported the idea of paying special compensation to nurses.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has also filed a petition with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health seeking compensation for nurses for distress service during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was stated in the petition that healthcare workers in Northern Ireland and Scotland receive a one-time bonus of €500 and a special payment of €1,500 for health workers in France. The online poll takes place in the context of the committee’s discussions on this.
Last November, the INMO claimed that it should be allowed at least 10 days compensation leave or equivalent compensation, given last year’s hard work and overwork.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.inmo.ie/tempDocs/hr-circular-064-2020-special-leave-with-pay-for-covid-19%20(1).pdf
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