Labour Court recommends HSE workforce planning talks with union panel

The Labour Court has recommended a small subgroup of the HSE and HSE Staff Panel Of Trade Unions hold two consultative meetings on a draft workforce plan before the end of April 2026. The recommendation, signed on 3 February 2026, concerns implementation of a WRC agreement on workforce planning and staffing. The panel, represented by INMO, Connect, FORSA, IMO, MLSA, SIPTU and Unite the Union, said the HSE had not complied with the agreement and sought measures including workforce planning, recruitment authority, maternity cover and safe staffing. The HSE disputed that it had breached the agreement and said implementation was under way. The Court said the consultation required for the 2026 estimates process had not taken place. It also recommended an HSE and union panel subcommittee, chaired by the WRC chair of the National Joint Council, to oversee progress and review quarterly reporting data.