There is no doubt that the issue of unpaid leave ended the talks and pay cuts are now being imposed universally across the public sector. Unfortunately, there is still no commitment to reform. I understand the unions were seeking redeployment of staff across the public sector; the centralisation of functions concerning payroll and human resources; the introduction of an extended working day in the health service covering the period 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and the provision of community-based health and social care services at night and at weekends. All these changes had been agreed to.

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