O’Neill retains weekly & fortnightly pay for health workers

Health Minister Michelle O’Neill has halted the transition from weekly and fortnightly pay to monthly pay for health and social care staff.

Health Minister Michelle O'Neill

The Minister made the decision following an engagement hosted by West Belfast MP Paul Maskey with frontline healthcare workers and unions.

Michelle O’Neill said: “I have listened to the issues raised by those staff who would have been affected by the change in frequency of pay and decided to retain the current arrangements for weekly and fortnightly paid employees.

“The change in pay frequency would have impacted upon some 12,000 staff particularly women on lower pay scales.  I want to reassure those people that I appreciate their financial concerns and I do not want to add to their pressures.”

The Minister added: “The implementation of a single pay frequency is a complex task affecting staff across the health and social care sector.

"Engaging with staff and taking into account a range of factors, I hope those employees who would have been affected will welcome this decision.”

Notes to editors: 

Media enquiries about this press release to DOH Press Office on 9052 0575, or out of hours contact to Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440and your call will be returned.  Follow us on Twitter @healthdpt

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