HSE to 'pause' recruitment

The Health Service Executive said today that it is "imposing a pause" on hiring at all levels in the organisation, including positions exempt from the recruitment moratorium.

Senior HSE management briefed health sector unions on the financial pressures facing the service this afternoon.

The action will be reviewed next month.

The HSE announced a budget deficit of €180m for the first six months of the year, which could rise to €400m by the end of the year if spending is not controlled.