Nurses Take a Stand: Why Staffing Shortages Are Pushing Healthcare Workers to Strike

At Clarity Locums, we work closely with nurses and midwives every day, so we understand the challenges they face in Ireland’s healthcare system. Right now, nurses and midwives employed in the public sector are preparing for industrial action. Their concerns? Chronic understaffing, excessive workloads, and a recruitment process that is failing both staff and patients.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has been warning about these issues for months. In November 2024, their members overwhelmingly voted in favor of industrial action in response to the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) restrictive Pay and Numbers Strategy—a policy that severely limits recruitment, despite critical shortages.

Why Are Nurses and Midwives Taking Action?

The HSE’s hiring restrictions mean that every nursing and midwifery vacancy must go through an exhausting, multi-step approval process. Some hiring decisions take up to six months, and crucially, they are made by individuals far removed from the hospitals and communities where the staff are needed. The result?

• Unsafe working conditions – Nurses are left with overwhelming patient loads, leading to burnout and stress.
• Overcrowded hospitals – Many hospitals are operating at over 100% capacity, putting both staff and patients at risk.
• Lack of consultation – Despite repeated attempts by the INMO to negotiate a fair and transparent workforce plan, the HSE has not meaningfully engaged.

What Happens Next?

After months of trying to avoid industrial action, nurses and midwives now have no choice. On Monday, March 31st, they will begin industrial action across the public healthcare system. Other unions—including Fórsa, CONNECT, and the MLSA, which represent clerical, therapy, medical lab scientists, technical, and engineering staff—are also issuing strike notices.

The INMO has made it clear: the Pay and Numbers Strategy cannot continue in its current form. Nurses and midwives deserve a say in staffing policies that directly impact patient care and safety.

What Does This Mean for You?

For those working in or considering agency nursing, these developments highlight the increasing demand for flexible, well-supported healthcare professionals. The delays in permanent hiring are making agency nurses more essential than ever. At Clarity Locums, we are committed to supporting nurses by offering flexible shifts, competitive pay, and a smooth hiring process—without the months-long delays imposed by the current system.

As the situation unfolds, we will continue to monitor developments and support nurses however we can. If you’re a nurse looking for alternative work options during this uncertain time, we’re here to help.

Stay informed, stay supported. If you’re considering agency work, check out our latest job listings here or contact our team today.

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