Union Criticizes Punitive Disciplinary Approach in Northern Ireland Health Trusts
Health trusts in Northern Ireland have been described as adopting a "punitive" disciplinary approach, especially towards lower-paid staff, according to a trade union.
Unison released a statement following the publication of new data revealing that 1,834 healthcare workers across the six trusts in Northern Ireland were dismissed over the past five years for breaches of, or actions taken under, attendance management policies.
In the 2024/25 year alone, 448 staff members faced dismissal.
Unison expressed that it is "not surprised" by these figures, particularly concerning dismissals among lower pay grades.
"The trusts have adopted a just culture model as regards the disciplinary policy. This change in policy direction is designed to move away from punitive outcomes where appropriate and look at corrective measures," Unison stated.
Despite this stated policy shift, the union remains "very concerned that while the trusts at a corporate level say they are bought into the just culture," the actions of middle management tell a different story.
"Namely management seem to be culturally embedded in a punitive approach as a remedy to workplace incidents," Unison added.
The union committed to continuing pressure on the trusts to alter their approach and pay closer attention to the treatment of the lowest paid staff.
Trusts Respond to Disciplinary Concerns
In response to the concerns, the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust told NI that it "completely understands that there may be very many reasons why an employee is unable to attend work due to sickness."
"All absences are compassionately managed through a fair and transparent sickness policy," the trust said, noting that the process involves both informal and formal procedures.
"The dismissal of any employee is regrettable and is a decision which is regarded as a last resort," it added.
The South Eastern Trust highlighted that it employs over 12,000 staff and that the number of dismissals after all avenues have been explored is very small, representing approximately 1% of its workforce.
"The Trust is tasked with providing a vital service to the community and is mindful of the cost of sickness absence to the public purse," the statement concluded.
The Western Health and Social Care Trust also provided a statement to NI, emphasizing the importance of regular attendance to maintain safe, reliable, and responsive services.
"We also recognise that illness and health issues can affect anyone, and that some periods of absence are unavoidable," the trust said.
"When staff are unwell their absence is managed in line with the trust's sickness and absence policy and our focus is on responding with care and understanding, and on putting appropriate support in place to help them recover, return to work as early as possible, and remain in employment.
"Only where all reasonable support options have been fully explored and exhausted do we consider termination, and any such decision is always regrettable."
The Western Trust noted that the number of terminations represents a very small proportion of its workforce, which exceeds 12,000 employees.
Dismissal Figures Across Northern Ireland Trusts
In the 2024/25 year, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, employing approximately 22,000 people, dismissed 130 staff members. The South Eastern Trust, with over 12,000 employees, dismissed 124 staff members.
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust, which employs about 13,000 people, recorded 74 dismissals.
The Western Health and Social Care Trust, with around 12,000 employees, had 56 dismissals.
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust dismissed 55 staff members, while the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service recorded nine dismissals.
Professional Groups and Dismissal Trends
Since 2020/21, social services have been the professional group with the highest number of dismissals.
Notably, there have been no dismissals of resident doctors or dentists since 2020/21.
These statistics were provided by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt in response to a written Assembly Question submitted by Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) MLA Daniel McCrossan.
NI has reached out to the trusts for further comment.
