HSE told to change pay policy on clinical psychology

HSE bosses have been instructed not to treat its qualified clinical psychologists as ‘new entrants’ – a distinction that currently means they are paid about €6,000 less than similar colleagues.

The HSE employs more than 1,000 such psychologists. New graduates start as trainees and are expected to secure higher degrees after three to five years working in the service.

In recent years the health service has started designating those who secure clinical psychologist jobs as new entrants after they get their higher degrees – so they can be paid lower rates.

Trainee clinical psychologists earn €35,760 to €39,500. Basic grade clinical psychologists, after completing three years postgrad training earn approximately €54,000-€84,000. Senior clinical psychologists can earn more than €90,000.

Clinical psychologists provide a variety of services including diagnosis and therapy for difficulties such as anxiety, depression or addictions.

The Labour Court has said it ‘does not believe that there is any reasonable basis’ upon which a group of HSE psychologists continuing in employment post-qualification can be regarded as new entrants.

HSE spokeswoman Valerie Kavanagh said that ‘the provisions of the recent Labour Court recommendation are being considered by HSE.’

The reclassification should be worth between €4,000 and €8,000 for the psychologists.

Labour Court chairman Kevin Duffy noted that the claimants had been HSE employees for years before reaching the basic psychologist grade and that they had to promise to stay working with the HSE for at least three years after they qualified.