Dr Niall Doran

In sheer desperation, the staff turned to the union for help. That triggered more of a response from the Department than had been received to date, but brought with it a personal rebuke to those involved for taking such a step. Despite all this, and despite one staff member breaking down emotionally in front of senior managers in that meeting, nothing changed to materially improve the situation.

Ultimately a third staff member was lost to stress, despite all the warnings by staff trying to avoid this over the preceding year. The Department may argue that the earlier staff losses were unforseen, but it is completely and directly culpable for the third one.

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