Understanding the 1 October 2021 Consolidated Pay Scales Circular for the Irish Public Health Sector
The Irish Department of Health issued Circular 14/2021 to inform relevant stakeholders about pay adjustments effective from 1 October 2021. This circular is part of the broader implementation of the Public Service Agreement "Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021-2022." It primarily applies to certain public health sector grades and outlines the specific pay increases, allowances, and related arrangements for public health employees.
Scope and Application of the Circular
This circular is relevant to human resources managers, payroll departments, and public health sector employees in Ireland. It covers specific grades within the public health sector, including employees under the Health Service Executive (HSE) and other non-commercial state agencies (NCSAs). The circular mandates that the pay adjustments are to be implemented from 1 October 2021, aligning with the provisions of the "Building Momentum" agreement.
It is important to note that grades receiving Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) restoration under Circular 11/2021, which received increases exceeding 1%, will not benefit from further adjustments as of 1 October 2021.
Key Provisions of the Pay Adjustments
Pay Increase and Rounding
- The basic salary of eligible public servants will be increased by either 1% or €500, whichever is greater. This adjustment is to be applied to the annualized salary from 1 October 2021.
- Adjustments should be rounded to the nearest euro for annual pay scales, to the nearest cent for weekly pay scales, and to the nearest €0.01 for hourly rates.
Impact on Salary Scales and Allowances
The revised pay scales for affected grades are published in the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales and the Civil Service Salary Scales, effective from 1 October 2021. Additionally, allowances classified as part of pay are increased by 1% from the same date, with calculations based on the updated pay rates.
Allowances Calculation
- Allowances that are a percentage or specific portion of basic pay should be recalculated using the revised pay rates.
- This adjustment applies to allowances in the nature of pay, ensuring consistency across the board.
Specific Provisions under the Public Service Agreement
Salary Increases
Under section 3 of the "Building Momentum" agreement, the annualized basic salary of public servants will increase by 1% or €500, whichever is greater, effective from 1 October 2021. However, if a salary was already restored under Circular 11/2021 on 1 July 2021, it will not benefit from the additional 1% increase unless the restoration amount was less than €500, in which case the difference will be added.
Superannuation Contributions
The circular confirms that the thresholds for the Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) remain unchanged from 2020, with rates applicable to different pension schemes maintained at the same levels. The contribution rates are tiered based on salary thresholds, with specific rates for standard, fast accrual, and single scheme members.
Overtime and Premium Pay
Overtime pay and premium rates calculated as percentages or proportions of basic pay should be adjusted to reflect the new pay rates effective from 1 October 2021. This ensures that employees are compensated accurately for work performed after the pay adjustment date.
Procedural Guidance and Clarifications
Requests for clarification regarding pay adjustments should be directed to the employee's HR manager. Payroll and HR departments within the HSE and Section 38 agencies can contact the HSE National Employees Relations Service at [email protected] for further assistance. Similarly, HR managers in NCSAs are advised to communicate directly with the Department of Health via the email [email protected].
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Implementation and Communication
The circular emphasizes that all relevant HR personnel, payroll staff, and employees must be informed of these pay adjustments. Proper dissemination ensures transparency and compliance with the terms set out in the "Building Momentum" agreement.
In summary, Circular 14/2021 formalizes the pay increases for Irish public health sector employees effective from 1 October 2021, aligning salary scales, allowances, and pension contributions with the provisions of the national public service agreement. Employers and employees should ensure these adjustments are accurately implemented and documented in payroll systems.