IMPACT and WHB to resume talks on job cuts

IMPACT and the Western Health Board are due to continue talks today on the board’s plans to lay off 169 workers to meet a Government savings target.

A meeting between the two sides last week ended with a commitment from the WHB to supply further details of the job cuts when discussions resume today.

IMPACT has said it will resist the redundancies and yesterday ordered all its health service members not to cover for staff who are laid off on foot of Government cutbacks.

Spokesman Kevin Callinan said: "We believe the Western Health Board and IMPACT should sit down and look at all other options.

"We believe there are various measures that can be taken to try and improve the budgetary situation."

He added: "We’re prepared to do that on the basis that the Western Health Board withdraw their threat to lay off staff."