Nurses at St. John of God’s Services, Beaufort, Co Kerry are to ballot for industrial action in a row over rosters.

According to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), a proposed new roster has previously being rejected by the staff as it is unworkable and will lead to a deterioration of the services in Beaufort which is a residential centre for clients with Intellectual Disability.

Speaking today, INMO industrial relations officer, Michael Dineen said: “Our members within Beaufort have reached the end of their tether with local management who are insisting on introducing this roster despite the real concerns of the staff who are charged with delivering care on the ground to clients within Beaufort.

“The staff maintain that the proposed new roster will lead to a deterioration in the services to the clients due to the unavailability of staff at key times during the day.

“Furthermore, it will prove onerous for staff due to the length of the working day and does not give a reasonable work/life balance to the staff involved.”

The result of the ballot will be known on Wednesday, April 20.

The ballot is for the withdrawal of labour from May 2, should management persist in implementing the roster.