Healthcare workers called to work on holidays

Unemployment figures are at an all-time low, and some industries are desperately looking to increase its workforce.

The healthcare sector, especially elderly care, is hard hit in this respect, and staff are frequently being called in for work during their holidays.

The Healthcare Workers’ Union has received numerous complaints from its members, many of whom have been forced to do double shifts at work.

Exhausted healthcare workers

Mary Antonsdóttir, chairwoman of the Healthcare Workers’ Union, says this heavy workload can easily result in stress and an inability to work.

“We have no choice but to rely on the goodwill of our staff, who are doing everything they can to help,” she says.

“The healthcare system is in dire need of an overhaul, because the current system is simply unacceptable.”

How to solve the problem

Antonsdóttir says that it is important to make healthcare work more attractive for the young generations.

“Higher salaries would also attract people, and the best thing would be if healthcare students were paid a salary while studying.”

Translated by prosa.fo