After sustained union campaigning, the HSE and Section 38 employers in intellectual disability and community services have confirmed that funding for the Serious Physical Assault Scheme is now available. This breakthrough follows concerns that frontline workers in these essential services were being denied workplace protections afforded to other health staff.
However, separate negotiations continue regarding the Injury at Work Grant which remains unfunded in Section 38 organisations. Employers have confirmed talks are underway with the HSE to resolve this injustice, with updates expected at the next meeting.
SIPTU Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis, said: “While we welcome this long-overdue access to the Assault Scheme, it’s unacceptable that Section 38 workers still don’t have equal protection when injured at work. These staff care for the most vulnerable people in our society, they deserve the same safeguards as all health workers.”
The Union plans on maintaining pressure until both schemes are fully implemented, ensuring all health workers have proper protections against workplace violence and injuries. Members will be updated following the next round of talks.
The HSE has finally released 2024 & 2025 sleepover rate payments to Section 38 (intellectual disability and community) employers, following Union pressure. A 2025 rate increase was notified in March, but employers warn that last year’s funding was a one-off payment and this must be resolved as a priority.
SIPTU Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis, said: “While we welcome the belated payment of 2024 & 2025 sleepover rates, it is frankly unacceptable that workers are still waiting for confirmed full funding. We have been advised funding has been released to most section 38 employers in the Community but not all. We have sought urgent clarity why this is the case from the HSE. Frontline staff in disability and community services cannot be left in financial limbo due to bureaucratic delays and red tape. These workers provide essential, around-the-clock care, they deserve certainty and fair pay for every hour they work. No excuses.”
Unions have demanded immediate clarity from the HSE, warning that further delays will disproportionately impact low-paid care staff. A formal update is expected shortly, with the Union expected to escalate the issue if unresolved.
“Our members will not be victims of this dragging of feet by management any longer”, Figgis added. “The HSE must guarantee recurrent funding for sleepover shifts, not as a concession but as a basic right for workers keeping vital services running or face the consequences.”