‘A case by case basis’: Healthcare staff who can’t find childcare could work from home

The HSE has suggested that healthcare workers who can’t find childcare may be offered a work-from-home scheme

 One of healthcare workers’ biggest issues during lockdown has been the lack of childcare support available.

With schools and crèches closed, and most grandparents cocooning, medical staff have had limited options for childcare.

But, during a briefing yesterday evening, the HSE said they are doing everything they can to find the best possible solution to this issue, which may include offering essential healthcare staff an option to work from home.

However, this option would only be available if all other child-minding efforts had been made.

New guidelines

New guidelines published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform state the following:

“In circumstances where one parent/guardian/partner is an essential healthcare worker, the other parent/guardian/partner will be supported by their public sector employer to remain at home to care for the child(ren) so as to ensure that the essential healthcare worker is able to go to work.

“In the first instance, flexible working arrangements will be put in place for the other parent/ guardian/partner such as working from home or working adjusted hours/ shifts.

“Though not anticipated, in the event that flexible arrangements do not allow the essential healthcare worker to attend work it will be dealt with on a case by case basis.”

While it was suggested by the HSE that these healthcare workers would receive full salaries while working from home, this has yet to be confirmed in an official statement.

Hopefully, a solution can be found that benefits both parents working as medical staff and the high demand for healthcare workers at this time.

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