Understanding Circular 8/2022: Pay Adjustments for Irish Health Sector

Understanding Circular 8/2022: Pay Adjustments for Health Sector Staff in Ireland

In September 2022, the Department of Health issued Circular 8/2022, which details the application of pay increases effective from 1 February 2022 for certain grades within the Irish public health sector. This official notice aims to clarify the scope, specific adjustments, and implications for relevant staff and employers, ensuring transparency and proper implementation across the sector.

Context and Purpose of Circular 8/2022

Circular 8/2022 is issued in the context of the Building Momentum – Public Service Agreement 2021-2022, which provides for sector-wide pay adjustments to support workforce stability and recognition. The circular specifically addresses retrospective pay increases for two remaining bargaining units within the health sector that had not previously agreed upon adjustments:

• Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCP - FORSA) Bargaining Unit
• Nursing and Midwifery Bargaining Unit

The document stipulates how these pay adjustments should be applied from 1 February 2022, aligning with the sectoral bargaining fund provisions and ensuring compliance with the Public Service Agreement terms.

Scope of the Pay Adjustments

1% Increase for Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCP - FORSA)

All grades within the HSCP FORSA Bargaining Unit are to receive a uniform 1% increase to their basic salaries. This adjustment also encompasses fixed allowances paid to these grades, aligning with the sectoral agreement's objectives of fair and consistent pay progression.

3.28% Increase for Nursing and Midwifery Management Grades

For nursing and midwifery management grades, a specific increase of 3.28% is mandated. This applies solely to designated management positions, with the associated consolidated salary scales reflecting the revised figures. It is important to note that fixed allowances do not benefit from this adjustment, as per the agreement reached in February 2022.

Implementation and Retrospective Application

The circular emphasizes that these pay increases should be implemented as soon as possible, with retrospective effect from 1 February 2022 or the date of appointment if later. Employers are advised to ensure that adjustments are applied correctly to all relevant staff and allowances, avoiding overlaps with other contractual enhancements such as enhanced nursing contracts.

Guidance for Employers and HR Managers

Employers are instructed to verify the specific grades and staff members affected by these adjustments. Clarifications regarding which grades belong to each bargaining unit should initially be sought from the respective employer. If uncertainties persist, employers can contact the Health Service Executive’s National Employer Relations Service (NERS) via email at [email protected] for assistance.

Impact on Pensions and Additional Payments

Pension Adjustments

For staff receiving pensions, the circular references previous guidance on pension increase policies up to the end of 2022. It directs pensioners and pension administrators to Circulars 2/2017, 02/2018, 19/2019, and 10/2021, which detail the procedures for pension increases in line with public service pay adjustments. Specifically, Part 4 of Circular 10/2021 provides instructions on implementing pension increases resulting from the February 2022 pay rise.

Overtime and Allowances

Overtime payments, premium pay, and allowances that are calculated as percentages or fixed amounts of basic pay should be adjusted based on the revised pay rates effective from 1 February 2022. Employers are responsible for ensuring these calculations reflect the updated salaries to maintain fairness and compliance.

Summary of Key Points for Staff and Employers

• Pay increases are retrospective from 1 February 2022, applied to specific grades within the health sector.
• HSCP staff receive a 1% increase, including allowances.
• Nursing and midwifery management grades benefit from a 3.28% increase.
• Adjustments should be implemented promptly, with proper consideration of existing contractual arrangements.
• Employers and HR managers should verify affected staff and seek guidance if necessary.

Overall, Circular 8/2022 provides clear instructions to ensure that pay adjustments are correctly applied across the Irish public health sector, reinforcing commitments made under the sectoral bargaining process and supporting workforce morale.