The recommendations of the Independent Body Examining Additional Working Hours were received earlier this month. However, estimating the cost of implementing the recommendations will depend on the detail contained in the Independent Body’s full report. The Terms of Reference of the Independent Body state that, as part of the deliberative process, the Independent Body will consider:
‘any associated costs with reference to possible replacement mechanisms, e.g. rostering changes, productivity measures, recruitment, overtime/premia payments, agency staffing.’
The Independent Body intends to issue their completed report by the end of January. Without the report it is not possible to comment on the detail, including estimated costs, at this point. Government will consider the Body’s recommendations in due course.