The government’s plans to reduce costs by 5% in all departments could result in the elimination of at least 10,000 civil service positions.
The number of civil servants working full-time has increased in the last few years. In 2016, there were only 380,000 workers in the central government.
Ministers now recognize that this increase is not sustainable, as they have to make difficult financial decisions in order to meet current spending plans.
Rachel Reeves, the chancellor of England and Wales, announced earlier this week that she would crack down on “waste”. She asked departments to reduce 5% of costs in order to “improve efficiency” when she launched her spending review.
She said that this would ensure prioritisation of funding for public services.
The government has already begun to consider voluntary redundancy plans to cut costs. It also said that it is committed to improving the efficiency of the civil service, and taking bold measures to enhance skills and harness the latest technologies.
A spokesperson stated: “Under the Plan for Change we will ensure that every part of government delivers on working people’s priorities, including delivering growth, putting money into people’s pocket, rebuilding Britain, and securing borders in a decade-long national renewal.”
The Treasury has established departmental budgets and each department is responsible for planning how to meet their own funding allocation.
Mike Clancy, the general secretary of Prospect trade union, said, “The Prime Minister made it clear that his government will value the contributions of dedicated public employees, and we welcome this commitment.”
“We need to develop a plan that is clear for the future of civil service, and that goes beyond the headcount targets which have failed in the recent past. This plan must be developed with civil servants, their unions and the government. We look forward to a deeper engagement in the months to come.
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