Fórsa has amended its advice to members to say they should stay away from workplaces on public health grounds unless their employer has told them they need to attend work.
Until now, the union has advised staff to go in unless told otherwise.
The union says much of the dust has settled since the An Taoiseach’s ‘stay at home’ announcement last Friday (27th March), and that most employers have now given clear direction to staff.
Large numbers of public servants and semi-state staff continue to attend workplaces to provide essential services, including virtually all workers in the health and social care sectors, and almost two-thirds of social welfare staff.
It has also warned staff that the instruction from their managers may change, and they should attend work if their presence is deemed essential.
Large numbers of public servants and semi-state staff continue to attend workplaces to provide essential services.
This includes virtually all workers in the health and social care sectors, and almost two-thirds of social welfare staff.
Well over a thousand have been temporarily reallocated to essential coronavirus-related work, particularly contact tracing, with more reallocations expected in the coming days and weeks.
And many continue to go in to work to deliver essential services in local authorities, An Garda Síochána, sea fisheries, transport, postal services, telecommunications and other vital areas.
Until now, the union has advised staff to go to work unless told otherwise.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands have been set up to work remotely.
Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan said public servants and other workers had stepped up to the task of delivering vital services while observing stringent public health measures.
“Most employers have now clarified which of their staff are needed in the workplace and which should work at home. Staff will continue to be flexible when these requirements change, but our advice now – on public health grounds – is to stay at home if in doubt,” he said.
Fórsa has advised workers not to put themselves, their families or others at unnecessary risk, and to take note of all the official advice on containing the spread of the coronavirus.
The union has also issued specific guidance to workers in the health sector.
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