The public sector union Together has urged its members working in higher duties roles to apply for permanent appointments to their acting position following recent changes to the Public Service Act.
In a message to members Together said changes had been made to the Act that gave those working in higher duties roles a process to seek conversion to a permanent position in that role.
It said members were beginning to receive outcomes of their review, both successful and unsuccessful.
“If you receive an outcome that does not offer you a permanent position it’s important to remember that you may still have further avenues to appeal,” the union said.
“If you have been in your higher duties role for 24 months or more you have the right to appeal within 21 days of the decision being made.”
Together said the decision must consider all necessary criteria and provide evidence on which the findings were made — “there is no requirement within the directive for the role to be vacant”.
The union encouraged all members who received a decision that did not convert them to contact their union office and seek advice.
The union’s message also covered improvements to the Temporary Employment Directive.
“Previously, temporary employees were required to be in a same or similar role for 24 months before they could be reviewed for permanency,” Together said.
“Thanks to the efforts of our members, temporary employees can now request a review after 12 months of employment, although the Department is still only required to initiate a review after 24 months.”
