NIPSA - Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance

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Official account for leading trade union NIPSA, championing over 47,000 public sector workers ✊

Andy’s Story Andy Boal is Branch Secretary and Health and Safety Rep Branch 121 It all started with a bit of chocolate cake. I had had my birthday the previous day, and I cut myself a slice. Half an hour later, I woke up on the sofa in the living room, getting changed by my wife. I’d choked, fainted, and hit the dogs’ water bowls on the way down. 2025 was going to turn into an interesting year, health wise. On my birthday, as far as I knew all that was wrong with me was high blood pressure, hay fever, and being a lot heavier than I used to be. Fast forward, to the hospital where Cardiology gave me an overnight monitor, which flagged up sleep apnoea, but everything was well when I was awake. An ultrasound showed nothing unusual about my heart’s size. Because there was a doubt over whether there was anything underlying in my heart that might cause me to faint, I was referred back to Belfast Trust to be given an implantable loop monitor in May. The sleep apnoea triggered the monitor most nights, and a dizzy spell I don’t remember having in December showed normal underlying heart rhythm. My cardiologist was confident when I finally got my CPAP machine on Christmas Eve (fab Christmas present, eh?), all would be well. But then, three weeks later, my cardiologist rang me. Had I been using my CPAP machine? Yes, and being autistic with touch sensitivity issues, I was surprised that the mask wasn’t causing me problems. It turned out that the CPAP machine wasn’t stopping me from having overnight sinus pauses, so he had discussed it with one of his colleagues and they agreed that I needed a pacemaker after all. My formal diagnosis was nocturnal p wave asystole – in practice, the risk that I wouldn’t wake up the next morning. Nine days after the phone call, I got my pacemaker in the Cath Lab in the City Hospital. 7.30am arrival, then preparation before the pacemaker was implanted under local anesthetic, and I was discharged at 3.30pm. Truthfully, it all came out of …
NIPSA Response to Statement by the Health Minister NIPSA notes with serious concern the statement by the Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, regarding the pay recommendations from the NHS Pay Review Body. While the Minister’s statement references a 3.3% uplift and speaks of ambitions and desire, it falls far short of what is required for NIPSA members on low pay across health and social care. For staff struggling at the sharpest end of the cost-of-living crisis, this statement provides no certainty and no reassurance. Crucially, it does not deliver a clear, written commitment to the Real Living Wage from 1 April 2026. Without such a commitment, there is no basis on which NIPSA can withdraw its industrial action process. Warm words and aspirations are not enough for workers who are already at breaking point. Let us be clear, without a firm Real Living Wage commitment, many of our members will, from 1 April, be paid below the Statutory minimum wage of £12.71 unless they once again receive a last-minute legal compliance payment simply to keep their employer within the law. This is a disgrace. Workers who care for and support the most vulnerable people in our society should not have to rely on forced top-ups just to reach the minimum wage. There must be no more compliance top-up payments for health and social care staff in Northern Ireland. Our members deserve a decent wage not just this year, but every year. The Real Living Wage of £13.45 from April first must be the starting point to fixing this long-standing injustice. NIPSA must also be clear: if these stated desires, ambitions and promises are not converted into firm, written commitments including the delivery of the Real Living Wage from 1 April 2026 then our plans for industrial action will proceed with haste. Our members cannot wait any longer. They deserve certainty, dignity, and pay they can live on. For further information on the statement see the NIPSA website at the link above.
Heart health isn't always about the symptoms we see in movies. Sometimes, it’s the subtle signs that matter most. If you or a loved one experience any of these, don't wait—get it checked out. Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore! Unusual Sweating Fatigue or Unusual Tiredness Indigestion or Feeling Nauseous Feeling Breathless or Faint Chest, Arm, Jaw or Leg Pain Palpitations, Fluttering or Thumping in the Chest
February edition of NIPSA Reports. 2026 General Council Elections. A Tribute to John Toal. Now Available to download from the NIPSA Website, link above.
Responding to the article posted on the BBC NI website Stormont: Almost £120m set aside for PSNI data breach payouts - BBC News NIPSA Official, Alan Law commented: “I welcome the confirmation that the Executive has agreed to set aside funding to cover the PSNI data breach claims, and very much hope that this will ensure a swift resolution of the cases. It has been a very difficult time for staff who will be relived that their claims can now be resolved without further delay.”
Nearly sold out! The Dove of Peace Christmas baubles by artist Gráinne Knox are in their final run. Secure yours today while limited stock remains. All proceeds go directly to the NIPSA Developing World Fund. Email catherine.arkinson@nipsa.org.uk for more details.
Education Workers Take Action Against Education Cuts & School Meals Price Increase The joint trade unions (UNISON, NIPSA, Unite, GMB), representing support staff in education are urging the public to join a protest against proposed education cuts and the Education Authority’s proposal to increase the price of school meals on Wednesday, 3rd December at 12:30 PM on the steps of Stormont. Due to insufficient budgets and chronic underfunding, proposals have been made to cut services and increase fees across the education sector. One such proposal includes raising the cost of school meals by 50p. These measures unfairly place the burden of underfunding on children, education staff, parents, and families—while failing to address the root cause: a fundamental budget shortfall. “These cuts will do little to close the funding gap,” said a spokesperson for the unions. “Continuing down this path will erode education services and make them unaffordable for many families.” The trade unions are calling on the Minister of Education and the NI Assembly to reject these cuts and stop the increase in the price of school meals and instead advocate for increased funding. If overspending is necessary to maintain quality education, then it must be implemented. Education should not be compromised. Join us on Wednesday to stand for fair funding and protect the future of education.
International Men’s Day is an event to recognise, celebrate and support men and boys. The event is guided by the Six Pillars of International Men’s Day, which aim to: Promote positive male role models. Acknowledge the positive impact men have on society. Focus on men’s health and wellbeing. Highlight discrimination faced by men. Promote gender equality. Work towards creating a safer and better world for all. Join NIPSA in Celebrating International Men’s Day with our lunchtime session taking place on Wednesday 19 November at 12pm – 1pm (via MS Teams) - ‘Hope Matters’. The session will consist of a ‘formal’ presentation followed by a Q&A session with attendees. The virtual session is open to all NIPSA Reps/Members to attend. NIPSA would encourage as many reps/male members as possible to take the opportunity to attend this lunchtime session to celebrate International Men’s Day. To register please email your details to Danielle Dawson at danielle.dawson@nipsa.org.uk by no later than 5pm on Monday 17 November 2025.
The Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance has raised significant concerns following the Education Authority’s (EA) announcement of immediate cost-reduction measures. These include increased charges for school meals and reductions in staff overtime payments.‍ NIPSA is urgently requesting a meeting with the EA, emphasising the Authority’s obligation to consult with trade unions prior to implementing any changes that affect employees. The union is calling for complete transparency regarding the potential consequences of these measures on both students, families and education support staff, as well as any alternative options that may have been considered. Natalie Shiel, representing NIPSA, stated: These proposals will place additional financial pressure on families and staff who are already under significant strain. They underscore the ongoing issues with education funding, where once again, staff are left to bear the brunt. The Education Authority must work collaboratively with unions and rethink its strategy.” NIPSA has also firmly opposed the proposed increase in school meal prices. The union argues that additional costs should not be placed on families, particularly those who do not qualify for free meals despite having low incomes. The union is urging the EA to suspend these measures and collaborate with trade unions to develop fairer solutions that safeguard the wellbeing of both staff and pupils.
The branch consultation on the pay claim for 2026/29 has now concluded and members have overwhelmingly endorsed the claim. The Central Trade Union Side claim will now be submitted to the NICS management on behalf of members in the NICS and those ALBs that mirror NICS pay. Inflation plus a 3% increase on all scale points and allowances each year for 3 years (1/4/2026 – 31/3/2029). The amalgamation of the AA and AO grades and for the new combined grade to have a single point scale. The removal of the bottom point on all other pay scales (EOII to Grade 6). The Civil Service Executive Committee considered the feedback from branches. The Executive Committee wishes to make clear that any potential economic changes that could negatively affect the real terms value of the award over time will be considered. It will be essential, therefore, to build in review points in advance of the April award each year. Such review points would consider inflation at that time. It is our hope that engagement with the management side will commence as soon as possible. Further bulletins will issue as appropriate.
Following a series of racists demonstrations, attacks on property and the targeting of the Pride demonstration in Newry, the far-right has called a demonstration in the city. The demonstration aims to divide people on the issue of provision of public services and has been called under the headline ‘Locals First’. Newry anti-racists have called a counter demonstration for Saturday 6 September at 1.30pm Marcus Square, Newry. NIPSA members are asked to join the counter demonstration. If you wish to assist with stewarding, please contact patrick.mulholland@nipsa.org.uk
Fermanagh Pride Parade will take place on Saturday 6 September. Participants are asked to assemble from 11.00 a.m. at the Find Centre, 27c East Bridge St, Enniskillen, BT74 7BW (access to the building is to the back, where access is down the side of Magee's Pub). The parade will commence at 11.30 a.m. leading to Pride at the Castle starting at 12.15 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. Events start on Friday 5 with a Coffee Morning at the Find Centre from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and a Film Night in the Enniskillen Hotel from 7.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. Click here to download the Events Guide. In line with the objects of NIPSA which is to promote equal opportunities for all members and to develop positive policies to promote equality of opportunity, NIPSA is supporting the festival and pride day. NIPSA LGBTQI+ flags and banner will be carried in the parade. We are asking members to assemble from 11.00 a.m. and to keep an eye out for the NIPSA flags. On behalf of the General Council, we wish to encourage branches and members to take part in the Fermanagh Pride Parade this Saturday.
Communication has been released by the EA in relation to the Flexi and TOIL policy which was in negotiation with the Trade Union Side. The EA plan to implement the policy on the 1st October 2025. This policy has not been agreed by NIPSA or any of the recognised Trade Unions. While discussions have been positive in making changes from the original proposal, NIPSA made the reasonable request to take the final most recent document to members in September to ensure that all our members were consulted with, as Representatives and members may not be available in the summer leave period. While this was accepted by the EA, recent communication to staff outlining implementation of the policy has shown that the additional time agreed will not be a time of meaningful negotiation on the policy. Those staff who worked in legacy education and library boards have TUPE protection on local agreements for Flexible working and Flexi is considered part of your terms and conditions. This should not be changed without your agreement. NIPSA is seeking advice and will be listening to our members concerns over this breach in terms and conditions, should the policy be imposed in October.
Foyle Pride Parade: Saturday 23 August This Foyle Pride parade will take place on Saturday 23 August. Participants are asked to assemble from 1pm at North West Transport Hub/Waterside Train Station, Waterside Link. The parade will commence at 2pm sharp (Route: Duke St, Craigavon Bridge Carlisle Rd, Ferryquay St, Shipquay St finishing at Guildhall Sq). In line with the objects of NIPSA which is to promote equal opportunities for all members and to develop positive policies to promote equality of opportunity, NIPSA is supporting the festival and pride day. NIPSA LGBTQI+ flags and banner will be carried in the parade. We are asking members to assemble from 1pm and to keep an eye out for the NIPSA flags. On behalf of the General Council, we wish to encourage branches and members to take part in the Foyle Pride Parade this Saturday 23 August 2025.
We wish to inform you that the NJC pay award for local government services in England has now been accepted. Full details are available here: NJC local government services (‘Green Book’) employees. As a result of this agreement, staff on NJC terms and conditions will receive a 3.2% pay uplift, backdated to April 2025.The NJC pay scales are negotiated between employer and trade union representatives through the National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Government Services in England. These pay scales apply to employees on NJC terms and conditions across Northern Ireland and Wales, including those in Education. As a trade union solely based in Northern Ireland, NIPSA does not hold a seat in the NJC negotiations in England and therefore did not ballot our members, the agreed uplift will apply to NIPSA members in Education who are employed under Green Book terms and conditions Management within the Education Authority (EA) are currently preparing an update for staff, which will include the revised NJC pay scales and the expected date of payment. We will continue to keep you informed as further details become available.
NIPSA members employed by GLL in Belfast City Council leisure facilities will engage in strike action tomorrow alongside trade union colleagues from UNITE and SIPTU. A rally will be held in front of Belfast City Hall from 1.00pm to 1.30pm and we would encourage members to make every effort to attend and offer support and solidarity.
Pride 2025 Route Map
Click to download: https://nipsa.org.uk/images/attachments/2025-Attachments/nr-21-Jul-25-a.pdf
Membership Plus officers, New July Discounts. Visit: https://membershipplus.co.uk
NIPSA Reports, now available to download. https://nipsa.org.uk/images/attachments/2025-Attachments/nr-1-Jul-25-a.pdf
NIPSA is pleased to have signed a revised Recognition and Procedural Agreement with the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. The updated agreement modernises and streamlines the industrial relations framework, ensuring it remains fit for purpose in today’s working environment. This positive step strengthens the relationship between NIPSA, the Police Ombudsman’s Office and its staff. It reaffirms our shared commitment to constructive engagement, effective consultation and the fair representation of employees. Pictured left to right: Ryan Wilson (NIPSA) and Hugh Hume (Chief Executive, Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland)
NIPSA has submitted a comprehensive response to the UK Government’s ‘Pathways to Work’ Green Paper, which proposes unprecedented cuts to disability benefits. These proposals would have a devastating impact on people in Northern Ireland, who already experience some of the highest rates of disability, long-term illness, and poverty in the UK. NIPSA stands in firm opposition to these proposals and will continue to fight for a fair and compassionate social security system