Menu
25/04/2008
£15m 'Golden Handshakes' Defended By Health Minister
Over £15 million of health service money has been spent on senior health service managers, it has been revealed.
The so-called 'golden handshakes' have been handed out to more than 100 NHS bosses in Northern Ireland who took voluntary redundancy or voluntary early retirement when the 18 trusts merged last year.
The voluntary redundancies and early retirement led the way for the streamlining of the system under the Review of Public Administration (RPA).
Mr McGimpsey defended the payouts, saying they would keep money free for frontline services.
He said: "What we're looking to do is reduce the burden - to release money for frontline and this is one of a number of exercises that I have undertaken."
However, SDLP assembly member Alistair McDonnell criticised the payouts, he referred to as "golden handshakes".
"For me it reflects poor personnel management, poor human resource management and a need for us to look forward when we're employing people and if necessary employ people on short to medium term contracts," he said.
"I think that we should now in the public services be employing people on five to seven year contracts rather than contracts for life."
Each of the 127 managers who retired or were made redundant were given an average pay-out of just under £120,000.
(JM/KMcA)
The so-called 'golden handshakes' have been handed out to more than 100 NHS bosses in Northern Ireland who took voluntary redundancy or voluntary early retirement when the 18 trusts merged last year.
The voluntary redundancies and early retirement led the way for the streamlining of the system under the Review of Public Administration (RPA).
Mr McGimpsey defended the payouts, saying they would keep money free for frontline services.
He said: "What we're looking to do is reduce the burden - to release money for frontline and this is one of a number of exercises that I have undertaken."
However, SDLP assembly member Alistair McDonnell criticised the payouts, he referred to as "golden handshakes".
"For me it reflects poor personnel management, poor human resource management and a need for us to look forward when we're employing people and if necessary employ people on short to medium term contracts," he said.
"I think that we should now in the public services be employing people on five to seven year contracts rather than contracts for life."
Each of the 127 managers who retired or were made redundant were given an average pay-out of just under £120,000.
(JM/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Roads Service Ready For Winter Weather
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has confirmed that the Department's winter service team is prepared to tackle the current cold snap. Around 300 staff and 130 gritters are ready to salt main roads, while 12 snow blowers are available for deployment if necessary. To ensure a comprehensive winter service, the Department has allocated £3.
Roads Service Ready For Winter Weather
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has confirmed that the Department's winter service team is prepared to tackle the current cold snap. Around 300 staff and 130 gritters are ready to salt main roads, while 12 snow blowers are available for deployment if necessary. To ensure a comprehensive winter service, the Department has allocated £3.
19 May 2011
Derry Builders Face 'False Advertising' Fine
A Limavady construction contractor who recklessly used the 'Constructionline' logo was this week fined £500 at Limavady Magistrates' Court. The Co Londonderry company, KPM & Son Contracts Ltd, used the logo on a promotional leaflet which implied that it was approved by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills to carry out renovation work.
Derry Builders Face 'False Advertising' Fine
A Limavady construction contractor who recklessly used the 'Constructionline' logo was this week fined £500 at Limavady Magistrates' Court. The Co Londonderry company, KPM & Son Contracts Ltd, used the logo on a promotional leaflet which implied that it was approved by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills to carry out renovation work.
13 November 2015
Health Managers Earning Over £100,000 Doubles In Three Years
The number of health managers earning over £100,000 has doubled in the last three years, according to figures from the Department of Health.
Health Managers Earning Over £100,000 Doubles In Three Years
The number of health managers earning over £100,000 has doubled in the last three years, according to figures from the Department of Health.
14 September 2009
Ulster Bank Sees Recession Easing
Although the building trade continues to be hardest hit, overall economic activity is increasing. While construction is still wavering, the Ulster Bank has reported that over one in four firms have seen a rise in business activity in August, a figure not seen since October 2007.
Ulster Bank Sees Recession Easing
Although the building trade continues to be hardest hit, overall economic activity is increasing. While construction is still wavering, the Ulster Bank has reported that over one in four firms have seen a rise in business activity in August, a figure not seen since October 2007.
20 September 2005
Beverage company toast £1M turnover boost
A successful Co. Antrim bottling firm is to increase turnover by more than £1 million in six months thanks to its participation in a pilot business improvement programme.
Beverage company toast £1M turnover boost
A successful Co. Antrim bottling firm is to increase turnover by more than £1 million in six months thanks to its participation in a pilot business improvement programme.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
