It was recognised in the Croke Park agreement that there was a need to revise and update the terms of the 2001 “Civil Service Worksharing Scheme”. The purpose of the reform was to address the business needs of the Civil Service and the requirements of both staff and management for flexibility and regular review of worksharing arrangements.

The purpose of worksharing scheme is to assist staff combine work and personal responsibilities, such as child or elder care. The scheme also facilitates older workers and those approaching retirement, staff pursuing educational courses and staff with disabilities. The introduction of the scheme was also a cost saving measure in reducing the overall payroll bill.

The revised arrangements, agreed with the staff side, issued to Personnel Officers in all Government departments in Circular 11/2010 which is available on our website www.personnelcode.gov.ie. The Circular highlights that management or staff may seek worksharing patterns to be adjusted for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• to meet new or changed business demands;
• to facilitate mobility and development;
• to meet requests for worksharing by other persons; or
• to adjust or change patterns in order to reflect personal circumstances.

There is provision for regular review of arrangements, at least once a year but more frequently if required. There is also provision for review of arrangements on redeployment or reassignment of staff.

On foot of these reforms, worksharing arrangements are now subject to ongoing review in the context of PMDS (Performance Management and Development). Any proposal for change to current work patterns will be subject to management and budgetary constraints, including Government policy on numbers employed.