HSE workers’ expenses withheld to 2012

THE HSE is in such dire financial straits that it will not pay staff for expenses which are already owed to them or which will be accrued during December until next year at the earliest.

The move, which is expected to cut the HSE budget for 2012 by €15 million and has incurred the wrath of Health Minister James Reilly, throws into jeopardy key services such as social work, child care and inspection services, which are provided by frontline staff in the community.

Those staff say they are being asked to subsidise the state for essential care without knowing when they will be reimbursed.