NIPSA members working as accredited trainers for the Encompass project in the Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Service have overwhelmingly voted for industrial action in response to unfair and unsafe working practices.
The Issue:
Encompass trainers, based in Clarendon Dock, Belfast, are required to travel from their homes to deliver essential training to health workers across Northern Ireland. With the programme now rolling out to the Western Health Trust, many trainers are forced to travel up to four hours daily—without any compensation for their time.
This means trainers are regularly working 12-hour days but only being paid for 8 hours. NIPSA considers this an unsafe and unacceptable practice.
The Action:
To challenge these conditions, from Monday, 7th April, NIPSA members will follow a new working protocol:
- Trainers will report to Clarendon Dock at 9:00 am to begin their working day
- They will finish their working day at Clarendon Dock at 5:00 pm to ensure compliance with their contracted 37.5-hour working week (pro-rata for part-time staff).
Join the Protest:
NIPSA is organising a short protest:
Date: Monday, 7 April
Time: 8:30 am
Location: Encompass HQ, North Tower, 31 Clarendon Road, Clarendon Dock, Belfast
We encourage all health sector colleagues who can attend to stand with us and support our trainers in their fight for fair working conditions.
Parking Information:
- Free on-street parking: Princes Dock Street and Pilot Street (near the venue)
- Paid parking: Corporation Street and Belfast City Quays (short walking distance)
Your support matters—together, we can demand fair treatment for all health workers. See you there.