Menu
08/03/2022
Other News In Brief
Alliance Backs Action On District Nurse Travel Expenses
Alliance have backed a challenge from unions to the NHS Staff Council on the mileage rates payable to district nurses, given the dramatic rise in the cost of fuel.
Announcing their support, South Belfast MLA and Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw said: "If, as anticipated, the price of petrol and diesel rises to approaching £2 per litre, the impact on the work and well-being of those in health and social care who have to use their own vehicle to travel to people in their homes will cause extreme difficulty.
"Staff in areas such as district nursing provide a vital front-line service, but it may simply cease to be viable if mileage rates remain less than half the standard civil service rate while fuel prices soar.
"I therefore strongly welcome the unions' push to the NHS Staff Council to see these rates re-visited.
"I would emphasise, however, health is devolved in Northern Ireland and we must act urgently to address the serious impact of rising fuel prices on front-line staff who are already underpaid. District nurses and other workers in domiciliary care are already under enough pressure, and now is the time to demonstrate how valued they are."
SF Call For Urgent Action On Language Act
Sinn Féin MPs have met with NIO officials to discuss the Language and Identity legislation due to be introduced through Westminster.
Highlighting the "urgent need for the British government to fulfil their commitments", MP Órfhlaith Begley said: "Irish Language legislation will not only deliver crucial rights and protections for people, but it will also play a positive role in supporting the ongoing and energetic revival of the Irish language across our island.
"Sinn Féin will continue to hold the British government's feet to the fire and work to ensure that they fulfil their commitment to implement the Irish Language Act."
Civil Service Introduce New Menopause Policy
The Civil Service has announced the establishment of a new Policy to support women going through the menopause.
Females account for 50% of the 24,000 Northern Ireland Civil Service workforce. With over 55% of female employees over the age of 45, a significant number of employees are likely to be affected by menopause. The aim of the Policy is to raise awareness and understanding of menopause and outline the support available.
Announcing the new policy, Finance Minister Conor Murphy whose department has responsibility for HR for the civil service said: "We want to ensure our staff are supported to cope with the challenges and impact of the menopause. I hope this new Menopause Policy will create an environment where female employees feel confident to raise issues and ask for reasonable adjustments if necessary. Equipping managers to provide support will ensure women can continue in employment and have their needs taken into account."
Welcoming the policy, Head of the Civil Service Jayne Brady said: "This new policy builds on the Civil Service’s efforts to support women going through the menopause. In recent months we have delivered seminars on menopause with one event, "The M Word – Making the Menopause Mainstream", attended by over 600 colleagues. We are already seeing the benefit of increased awareness with Departments establishing support groups for staff. This is only a first step for us as we want to continue to build on this progress through further guidance and the roll out of training to support the implementation of this policy."
Highlighting the importance of the policy, Health Minister, Robin Swann added: "Employers have a hugely important role to play and I welcome the work that the Northern Ireland Civil Service is taking forward to support its female workforce. Last month I attended the first meeting of the UK-wide Menopause Taskforce, which has been established to strengthen coordination across government in raising awareness of the impact of menopause, improving care and support for women, and ending the taboos and stigmas that still surround what is a natural part of ageing. My Department will continue to engage with the Taskforce to identify any opportunities to improve menopause healthcare in Northern Ireland."
Alliance have backed a challenge from unions to the NHS Staff Council on the mileage rates payable to district nurses, given the dramatic rise in the cost of fuel.
Announcing their support, South Belfast MLA and Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw said: "If, as anticipated, the price of petrol and diesel rises to approaching £2 per litre, the impact on the work and well-being of those in health and social care who have to use their own vehicle to travel to people in their homes will cause extreme difficulty.
"Staff in areas such as district nursing provide a vital front-line service, but it may simply cease to be viable if mileage rates remain less than half the standard civil service rate while fuel prices soar.
"I therefore strongly welcome the unions' push to the NHS Staff Council to see these rates re-visited.
"I would emphasise, however, health is devolved in Northern Ireland and we must act urgently to address the serious impact of rising fuel prices on front-line staff who are already underpaid. District nurses and other workers in domiciliary care are already under enough pressure, and now is the time to demonstrate how valued they are."
SF Call For Urgent Action On Language Act
Sinn Féin MPs have met with NIO officials to discuss the Language and Identity legislation due to be introduced through Westminster.
Highlighting the "urgent need for the British government to fulfil their commitments", MP Órfhlaith Begley said: "Irish Language legislation will not only deliver crucial rights and protections for people, but it will also play a positive role in supporting the ongoing and energetic revival of the Irish language across our island.
"Sinn Féin will continue to hold the British government's feet to the fire and work to ensure that they fulfil their commitment to implement the Irish Language Act."
Civil Service Introduce New Menopause Policy
The Civil Service has announced the establishment of a new Policy to support women going through the menopause.
Females account for 50% of the 24,000 Northern Ireland Civil Service workforce. With over 55% of female employees over the age of 45, a significant number of employees are likely to be affected by menopause. The aim of the Policy is to raise awareness and understanding of menopause and outline the support available.
Announcing the new policy, Finance Minister Conor Murphy whose department has responsibility for HR for the civil service said: "We want to ensure our staff are supported to cope with the challenges and impact of the menopause. I hope this new Menopause Policy will create an environment where female employees feel confident to raise issues and ask for reasonable adjustments if necessary. Equipping managers to provide support will ensure women can continue in employment and have their needs taken into account."
Welcoming the policy, Head of the Civil Service Jayne Brady said: "This new policy builds on the Civil Service’s efforts to support women going through the menopause. In recent months we have delivered seminars on menopause with one event, "The M Word – Making the Menopause Mainstream", attended by over 600 colleagues. We are already seeing the benefit of increased awareness with Departments establishing support groups for staff. This is only a first step for us as we want to continue to build on this progress through further guidance and the roll out of training to support the implementation of this policy."
Highlighting the importance of the policy, Health Minister, Robin Swann added: "Employers have a hugely important role to play and I welcome the work that the Northern Ireland Civil Service is taking forward to support its female workforce. Last month I attended the first meeting of the UK-wide Menopause Taskforce, which has been established to strengthen coordination across government in raising awareness of the impact of menopause, improving care and support for women, and ending the taboos and stigmas that still surround what is a natural part of ageing. My Department will continue to engage with the Taskforce to identify any opportunities to improve menopause healthcare in Northern Ireland."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 January 2020
NI Council Adopts Menopause Policy
A Northern Ireland council has agreed to adopt a menopause policy to support women in the workplace. Research shows that the majority of women are unwilling to discuss any menopause related health problems with their employer or request any adjustments they may require.
NI Council Adopts Menopause Policy
A Northern Ireland council has agreed to adopt a menopause policy to support women in the workplace. Research shows that the majority of women are unwilling to discuss any menopause related health problems with their employer or request any adjustments they may require.
18 October 2022
Belfast City Council Introduces New Menopause Policy
Belfast City Council has announced the introduction of a new Menopause Policy for council employees to coincide with World Menopause Day on Tuesday 18 October.
Belfast City Council Introduces New Menopause Policy
Belfast City Council has announced the introduction of a new Menopause Policy for council employees to coincide with World Menopause Day on Tuesday 18 October.
27 May 2022
Finance Minister To Ensure Energy Payments Are Made In NI
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, has said that he is committed to working with Treasury to ensure the Energy Bills Support Scheme will provide assistance to citizens here given the absence of an Executive.
Finance Minister To Ensure Energy Payments Are Made In NI
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, has said that he is committed to working with Treasury to ensure the Energy Bills Support Scheme will provide assistance to citizens here given the absence of an Executive.
24 August 2022
QUB Announces New Staff Support Policies
Queen's University Belfast (QUB) has announced two new policies designed to offer support to staff experiencing the menopause and those undergoing fertility treatment, whilst raising awareness of the issues with line managers and other staff members.
QUB Announces New Staff Support Policies
Queen's University Belfast (QUB) has announced two new policies designed to offer support to staff experiencing the menopause and those undergoing fertility treatment, whilst raising awareness of the issues with line managers and other staff members.
31 October 2022
Consultations On Support For Adoptive Families And Young Care Leavers
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced two new public consultations on policy proposals to inform the drafting of regulations to provide much needed support to adoptive families and young people who have left care. The regulations will be part of the phased implementation of the Adoption and Children Act, which became law on 27 April 2022.
Consultations On Support For Adoptive Families And Young Care Leavers
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced two new public consultations on policy proposals to inform the drafting of regulations to provide much needed support to adoptive families and young people who have left care. The regulations will be part of the phased implementation of the Adoption and Children Act, which became law on 27 April 2022.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
