Union: HSE forcing nurses to take ‘de facto’ 15% pay cut

Young nurses whose two-year contracts come to an end may be forced to accept a de facto 15% pay cut if they want “to continue in employment”.

The situation — which has been referred to the Labour Relations Commission over claims it breaches the Haddington Road Agreement — was revealed yesterday by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

According to an internal HSE management memo obtained by the union, the service is attempting to push new nurses into accepting “graduate” deals in a bid to save money.