The EPA gave a direction for all staff to return to the office three days per week from 28 February.

This direction was different  from the direction given by the DPE, who allowed their staff to transition back into the workplace from 28 February.

The PSA has now been contacted by EPA members who are concerned with the number of COVID positive cases currently being detected in the community, but more importantly, in the workplace.

Members feel that EPA’s management have not considered the health and welfare of their staff prior to its direction to return to the workplace on 28 February.

Members have advised the PSA that the EPA are not informing staff until the following days where they have been in close contact with a COVID positive case.

The PSA has made representation to the EPA management  on behalf of our membership for a more flexible approach to the direction to return to the office 3 days per week. The EPA management have advised if individuals feel at risk in the office, the EPA will look at it on a case-by-case basis.

The PSA has requested a meeting, as a matter of urgency, with DPE and EPA management to address our members’ concerns regarding their health and welfare.

The PSA also intends to seek a further risk assessment given the increasing daily number of  COVID positive cases currently being detected.