'Distraught' Cork nurse graduates searching for supermarket work after zero-hours contract offers

Mental health nursing graduates are “distraught” and searching for work in supermarkets after being offered zero-hours contracts by the HSE in Cork and Kerry, union Siptu has warned.

These students had expected full-time jobs. However, the HSE says full-time permanent posts have been offered to all eligible graduate nurses in mental health.

Zero hours refer to jobs where the employer does not guarantee a minimum number of working hours, with a worker not obliged to accept shifts offered.

Siptu shop steward Des McSweeney said: “I have been inundated with calls and messages from dismayed and distraught new graduate mental health nurses Some of the graduates I have spoken to in person were emotionally distressed and tearful with worry. They are all in shock.”

One woman told him that she expected to be the main breadwinner, but he said: “Now she is fearful her family will not be able to pay the rent and, as a result, become homeless.”

Applying for supermarket work

Another nurse told him she is actively applying now for work in supermarkets and call centres. “Others are seeking employment abroad due to the situation they find themselves in,” he said.

The students were contacted by senior management in Cork mental health services.

“This was offering them only zero-hours contracts by joining a nursing bank operated by the HSE. They were also bluntly told that this is the only option open to them if they want to work in the Cork and Kerry services,” Mr McSweeney said.

A link in the HSE emails directs them to a new HSE Southwest Nursing & Midwifery Staff Bank.

“We are all totally aware that the Mental Health Services in Ireland have a staffing crisis, with some teams operating at levels 10% to 50% below agreed or recommended staffing levels,” Mr McSweeney said, pointing to growing numbers of patients in crisis nationally. 

A spokesperson for HSE South West disputed the nurses’ understanding of the situation.

She said: “Full-time permanent posts have been offered to all eligible graduate nurses in mental health. These are full-time permanent positions.

“We value the contributions that our graduate nurses make to the service and recognise the importance of retaining newly-qualified nurses within the organisation.”