Good year for the Public Sector

The figures released on 13th January 2006, by the Office for National Statistics, have been described as indicating, by the CIPDís Chief Economist John Philpott, that 2006 will represent a tough year for public sector workers, who will see a slow down in public sector growth. Certainly significant in light of the boost given by Gordon Brown in his government spending plans at the start of the decade.

Dr Philpott was quoted as saying ì2006 will see the public sector jobs bonanza on the wane while the bulk of public sector employees will no longer enjoy the relatively rapid pay rises of recent years.î Whilst this may well be the first substantive sign of the impact of the Gershon efficiency drive on staffing levels within the public sector, Tamsin Devas of Select Accountancy, a specialist public sector recruitment consultancy, suggests that; ìIn my experience it does not necessarily mean that cut backs in permanent recruitment will limit opportunities for experienced professionals. Many will find themselves taking on interim assignments where they can quickly add value and improve efficiency.î

Furthermore, Devas adds; ìtemporary and interim work may actually prove to be more fulfilling and challenging for those undertaking it, as the variety it can offer is often preferred to that experienced in a permanent position.î

ìThe key for managers is to work with the resources at their disposalî says Devas ìjobs still need to be filled, and the temporary solution is ideal when permanent headcount cannot be secured for the long term. Professionalís in the market will not be adversely affected if this is accepted.î

Philpott argued that ìAlthough ministers are fully justified in getting to grips with public sector payrolls and efficiency as part of their overall effort to improve public service delivery, this will inevitably make life difficult for public sector managers already facing mounting trade union discontent over job cuts, pay curbs, and a tougher stance on tackling the sectorís relatively high rate of absenteeism. Public sector managers have to tread a fine line between meeting efficiency targets and maintaining employee motivation and commitment. Achieving this balance is a highly skilled task and crucial to raising performance in the public services.î Select Accountancy were recently invited to attend the annual Government Efficiency Conference. It was clear that organisations such as recruitment consultancies can offer significant efficiency savings to the public sector by streamlining recruitment processes. These savings can be passed on giving greater chances of meeting government efficiency targets without adversely impacting on moral, motivation or performance.

Whilst on the face of it, the evidence suggests that there may be difficult times ahead for public sector jobs, solutions are presenting themselves in the form of outsourcing recruitment methods. By working together line managers, employees and recruitment consultancies have the potential to ensure that 2006 is yet another successful, and efficient, year for the public sector.