News

Health trusts criticized for strict disciplinary approach

In Northern Ireland, 1,834 healthcare workers have lost their jobs over the past five years, spanning six health trusts, as a result of attendance management policy infractions or related actions.

A trade union has criticized the disciplinary approach taken by health trusts in Northern Ireland, arguing that it unfairly targets lower-paid employees.

A busy hospital scene. A man in what looks like a porter's uniform has his back to the camera and he is in charge of a woman with grey hair who is sitting in a wheelchair. There is a medical professional walking towards the camera in blue scrubs, face mask on and lanyard around her neck. — New figures show 1,834 healthcare workers across Northern Ireland have been dismissed in the last five years

According to recent data, 1,834 healthcare workers have been let go by the six trusts in Northern Ireland over the past five years due to attendance issues, prompting a response from Unison.

The most recent figures show that 448 staff members were dismissed in the 2024/25 year alone.

Unison has expressed little surprise at the numbers, particularly with regard to the dismissal of staff in lower pay grades.

The union noted that the trusts have implemented a just culture model, which aims to shift the focus away from punitive measures and towards corrective actions when appropriate.

Despite this policy change, Unison remains concerned that middle management is not fully on board, with their actions often at odds with the trusts' stated commitment to a just culture.

According to Unison, management's approach to workplace incidents often relies too heavily on punishment, rather than exploring alternative solutions.

The union has stated its intention to continue pushing the trusts to reevaluate their approach and pay closer attention to the treatment of lower-paid staff.

The Belfast Trust has responded to the figures, pointing out that the number of dismissals represents a small proportion of its overall workforce.

The trust emphasized that reducing sickness absence is a key priority and that all cases are handled in accordance with its attendance management protocol, with the goal of supporting staff in their return to work.

The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has stated that it manages all absences through a fair and transparent policy, which involves both informal and formal procedures.

The trust noted that, with over 12,000 employees, the number of dismissals is relatively small, accounting for just 1% of its workforce.

The Western Health and Social Care Trust has acknowledged that illness and health issues can affect anyone and that some periods of absence are unavoidable.

The trust stated that termination is only considered after all reasonable support options have been explored and exhausted, and that such decisions are always made with regret.

The Southern Trust has stated that dismissal is only considered after all other options and alternatives have been explored in line with its policy.

The trust is mindful of the financial impact of sickness absence and noted that the dismissal figures represent a small proportion of its overall workforce.

The Northern Trust has emphasized that dismissal is a last resort and that it seeks to support staff wherever possible through training, supervision, and improvement measures.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has stated that its attendance management policy aims to resolve issues through informal and formal processes.

However, the service noted that in some cases, these processes may be unsuccessful, leading to the escalation of cases to formal disciplinary proceedings.

In the previous year, the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, which has approximately 22,000 employees, dismissed 130 staff members, while the South Eastern Trust, with over 12,000 employees, dismissed 124 staff members.

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust, which employs around 13,000 people, dismissed 74 staff members.

The Western Health and Social Care Trust, with approximately 12,000 employees, reported 56 dismissals for the 2024/25 year.

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust dismissed 55 staff members, while the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service dismissed nine staff members.

Since the 2020/21 year, the professional grouping with the highest number of dismissals has been social services.

There have been no dismissals of resident doctors or dentists since the 2020/21 year.

These figures were released by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt in response to a written Assembly Question from Social Democratic and Labour Party MLA Daniel McCrossan.

Up Next

Afghan asylum seeker found guilty of raping a 12-year-old girl

Don't Miss

Ex-President Lungu’s son must hand over 79 vehicles, petrol station, and luxury apartments

News

GB men’s curling team suffers upset defeat to Italy

At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Great Britain’s men’s curling team mounted a comeback against Italy following a disappointing beginning, ultimately falling short in their inaugural match.

Despite a valiant comeback, Team GB ultimately fell short as Italy held their composure to secure the win in the final end.

A dismal start to the match proved costly for Team GB's men, as they suffered their first defeat of the Winter Olympics at the hands of host nation Italy, despite a spirited fightback in the packed Cortina Curling Stadium.

Following victories in their first two matches, including a win over the Swedish rink that beat them in the gold-medal match four years ago, Team GB entered their second high-profile encounter in as many days in a confident position.

However, a disastrous opening end, in which Italy stole four points, left Team GB trailing and facing an uphill battle in front of a boisterous home crowd.

The British team, currently ranked number one in the world, gradually regained their footing and managed to level the score by the ninth end.

Ultimately, Italy maintained their composure in the final end to emerge victorious, winning 9-7 and adding Team GB to their list of scalps, which already included the Swedes.

"We had to dig deep and play some solid curling, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to get us over the line," Team GB lead Hammy McMillan said in an interview with BBC Sport.

With seven wins from nine round-robin matches guaranteeing a spot in the semi-finals, Team GB remains in a strong position, although fewer wins may still be sufficient to advance.

The women's team is set to take to the ice next, facing South Korea in their second match at 13:05 GMT, while the men will return to action on Saturday against the Czech Republic at the same time.

Team GB is at the forefront of curling's technological advancements.

Embracing what sets you apart can be a powerful asset, according to some athletes.

A daily guide to the Winter Olympics is available for those looking to stay up-to-date with the action.

The looks of shock on the faces of Team GB's curlers told the story of a disastrous opening end.

With a stone in play, Mouat attempted a risky shot in an effort to claim two points, but it backfired, resulting in none of Team GB's stones in the house and four Italian stones in position.

However, the Scottish quartet, ranked number one in the world, quickly regained their composure and got back to their game.

The teams exchanged singles before a impressive final throw by Mouat, aided by a measurement to determine which stone was closest to the button, allowed Team GB to claim two points and narrow the gap to 5-3.

Another excellent team effort, which included a well-judged throw by Mouat, a solid sweep by Hammy McMillan and Bobby Lammie, and Grant Hardie's strategic expertise, forced Italy to concede a point in the fourth end, reducing the deficit to a single point at the break.

Italy blanked the sixth end and added two points in the seventh to rebuild their lead, but Team GB fought back with two points of their own, remarkably levelling the score with one end remaining after a steal.

The match came down to the final end, but Italy held their nerve to secure the win, prompting a deafening roar from the crowd.

"It's an incredible experience, and we need to get used to it," McMillan added, describing the electric atmosphere as "surreal" and "cool," more akin to a football match than a typical curling crowd.

News

Scotland Kicks Off Nations League Against Slovenia

Uefa has released the schedule for the Nations League, with Scotland set to begin their campaign on 26 September with an away match against Slovenia.

Uefa has released the schedule for the Nations League, with Scotland's campaign set to begin on 26 September with an away match against Slovenia.

The team's six group stage games will be played within a three-month period, culminating in a match against Switzerland on 16 November.

The fixture list was announced following Thursday's draw, which placed Scotland in a group with Switzerland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.

Having been relegated from League A after a play-off loss to Greece last year, Scotland will compete in the second tier of the Nations League this year.

In response to the draw, head coach Steve Clarke noted that the teams in the group appear to be evenly matched.

Clarke reflected on the team's past experience in the competition, stating that it has been beneficial for Scotland.

He emphasized the importance of the Nations League, citing its role in helping the team qualify for Euro 2020, and anticipated a challenging set of matches.

A key matchup in the Nations League will see Scotland face off against Switzerland.

The group stage will determine the teams' fates, with the winner earning promotion, the runner-up entering a play-off, the third-placed team facing a relegation play-off, and the fourth-placed team being relegated directly.

The upcoming group games will mark a reunion for Scotland and Switzerland, who previously drew 1-1 in Cologne at Euro 2024.

Scotland's last encounter with Slovenia was during the 2018 World Cup qualification campaign, when they won 1-0 at home and drew 2-2 away.

The team has not played North Macedonia since the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, when they drew 1-1 at home and won 2-1 away, with goals from Ikechi Anya and Shaun Maloney.

The schedule for Scotland's Nations League campaign begins on 26 September with a match against Slovenia.

The team will then host Switzerland on 29 September, followed by a trip to face North Macedonia on 3 October.

Scotland will then play Slovenia at home on 6 October, before hosting North Macedonia on 11 November.

The final group stage match will see Scotland travel to face Switzerland on 16 November.

The team's home match against North Macedonia is set for 11 November.

The campaign will conclude with an away match against Switzerland on 16 November.

News

Golfer McIlroy Sinks Bunker Shot at Pebble Beach Pro-Am

At the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California, Rory McIlroy achieved an eagle on the 14th hole at Spyglass Hill, capping off his opening round with a score of 68.

During the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California, Rory McIlroy achieved an eagle on the 14th hole at Spyglass Hill, contributing to his first-round score of 68.

For further information, Rory McIlroy had a solid opening round, while Hisatsune took the lead.

Access to this content is restricted to users in the United Kingdom.