Public sector jobs - Retired but re-employed

It was probably inevitable that the exodus from the public service over recent years would mean the loss of vital skills.

That this necessitated rehiring some of those who had quit, been paid lump sums and were enjoying pensions suggests the programme should have been more selective. These people are, in a sense, being paid twice for the one job. Only those who could have been replaced from within should have been allowed leave.

Today we report that the HSE spent over €3m last year to bring 120 ex-employees back — including three who were re-employed a day after retiring.

The same situation prevails in some schools. This is daft and can only be accepted on a short-term basis.

By re-hiring those who have left those who trained to replace them are being denied an opportunity to start their career. By allowing those who would have to be replaced — even by themselves — leave suggests once again that the needs of the employee were put before the needs of the service. This makes a mockery of the idea of public sector reform and professional management. It’s just not good enough.