DUBLIN: Trade unions have voiced their concerns about potential job losses following the reinstatement of the Health Service Executive (HSE) hiring ban. They are urging that all unfilled posts from 2023 be included in the 2024 recruitment plans to avoid losing these positions during the ban period. The unions also questioned how funds allocated for these vacancies were utilised if the positions remained unfilled.
The ICTU Group of Healthcare Unions, representing HSE employees, highlighted the risk of losing positions due to the delayed filling of vacancies. The HSE’s plan to determine staff numbers based on December 2023 figures could exacerbate this issue, according to union leaders.
Union representatives have met with HSE officials to discuss these concerns and are awaiting a response. The ICTU Group of Healthcare Unions includes CONNECT, FORSA, the Irish Medical Organisation, INMO, the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association, SIPTU, Unite, and other trade unions.
The HSE announced on Sunday that the hiring ban, implemented in October 2023, has been lifted. This year, 2,300 positions will be filled. However, the nurses’ union, INMO, expressed concerns about proceeding without addressing existing vacancies.
Albert Murphy from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) emphasised that this year’s recruitment should include the unfilled posts from 2023. Kevin Figgis from SIPTU warned that if these positions remain vacant, healthcare workers will face immense pressure. Ashley Connolly from Forsa pointed out that inconsistencies in the HSE’s human resource management are causing young professionals to leave the country.
Last week, the government announced an additional €1.5 billion for the HSE. The HSE stated that around 900 equivalent agency full-time posts would be converted to HSE posts this year. Recruitment for various sectors is ongoing, with 2,350 positions to be filled by the end of the year. Managers have been instructed to act on approved posts, according to the HSE.
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