New data reveals that over 2,000 jobs were cut from the public service between December 2023 and June 2024, bringing the total number of full-time equivalent staff down to 63,537.
While the workforce saw a slight year-on-year increase, the large decrease from December reflects the government’s intention to implement budgetary savings ahead of the financial impact of Budget 2024.
Economist Brad Olsen told state media that the cuts are likely just the beginning, with more reductions expected in the coming months.
The largest drop occurred at Stats NZ due to the conclusion of the Census program, and other reductions occurred through natural attrition and voluntary redundancies.
The reduction in staff numbers coincided with a notable 25.9% drop in spending on contractors and consultants, signaling the government’s focus on reducing public sector expenditure.
Public Sector Minister Nicola Willis said the shift from back-office roles to frontline services, with administrative and policy staff declining while roles in service delivery, regulatory functions, and social services increased.
Image credit: Scott Graham
Man-oh-man…I’ll bet that the competition increasing in the offices now is extreme, with lots of back-stabbing and calling attention to one’s self-importance…!
Those doing these things will soon be like the rest of us; working in the over-taxed ‘Gig Economy’ until World War Three arrives full-hot!
Then, one won’t have to worry about a job; we’ll all either be force- drafted into military service, or radioactive skeletons on the footpaths…!