HSE refuses to clarify position of 14,000 workers

HEALTH chiefs last night refused to clarify the position of 14,000 employees believed in danger of being axed as a cost-cutting measure.

The workers, who are on temporary contracts, make up one in eight of all HSE employees and include doctors, nurses, dentists, social workers and administrators.

An internal memo prepared for senior HSE managers says the workers’ contracts must not be renewed unless in exceptional circumstances and there is explicit approval from headquarters. Other measures to be taken “with immediate effect” include not filling positions left vacant through retirements, resignations and career breaks, eliminating all agency personnel and banning overtime.