The IASW supports the decision taken by members of the trade unions: FORSA, Unite, Connect, the INMO and the Medical Laboratory Scientist Association, to give notice of industrial action, in an effort to have the staffing shortages in the HSE addressed. The IASW released a statement outlining its concern in relation to the Pay and Numbers Strategy on the 16th of October last. Our members remain deeply concerned about the impact on Social Work and other services that have followed implementation of the HSE Strategy, including lengthening waiting lists for Health and Social Care Services and a reduction in timely hospital discharges, among other adverse impacts.
The effective suppression of Social Work and other posts, under the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy, restricts access to vital services and interventions at an early stage, leaving many individuals on waiting lists to access services and receive necessary support. The full impact this is having on service provision for those affected in our society is difficult to measure. The IASW seeks clarity from the HSE on the actual number of Social Work posts remaining vacant and those effectively lost, if any, due to the current Pay and Numbers Strategy.
The IASW stands in solidarity with its Health and Social Care Professional colleagues on this matter, seeking an urgent resolution to ensure the safety and timely restoration of vital services for the most vulnerable in our society. The IASW urgently calls on the HSE to revisit the Pay and Numbers Strategy and to reverse the loss of invaluable Social Work posts arising from the current HSE Strategy.
