Civil service staff axed

More than 60,000 civil service jobs have been cut over the first two years of the coalition government being in office. PCS, the largest civil service union, said it was part of a “political smash and grab” on public services.

According to the figures published by the Office for National Statistics, the civil service headcount was down to 463,812 in March 2012, a fall of 63,672 — or 12% — on two years earlier. Between March 2011 and March this year 34,621 jobs have gone, a 7% cut.

Full-time workers have felt the brunt of the cuts, with 63,524 jobs axed over the two years.

PCS says that morale in the civil service is at rock bottom as a result of these job losses, as well as cuts to pay and pensions, and a new review which threatens to undermine all terms and conditions.

The review — which includes looking at hours, holidays and family-friendly policies such as part-time and flexible working — was set up without consultation or negotiation with staff.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said the figures show the extent of the damage being done by the government that, for purely ideological reasons, “wants to hack away at services we all rely on”.

“With all the evidence showing that austerity isn’t working, these job cuts and the latest threat to terms and conditions are clearly part of a political smash and grab on our public services.”

www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171778_284549.pdf

www.pcs.org.uk/en/news_and_events/news_centre/index.cfm/id/5E9A785A-2A84-4C55-A08DC734D3282119