Jamie Hailstone 15 September 2016

Council workforces shrink to record low

The number of people working for local authorities is at a record low, according to official statistics.

The latest update by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the total public sector workforce in this country decreased to 5.3m in June – it’s lowest level since records began in 1999.

And employment in local government stood at 2.19 million for the same month, which is also its lowest recorded level.

The ONS statistics show the number of people working for councils was down by 13,000 on the previous quarter and 72,000 on the previous year.

But the figures also reveal a rise in the number of people working for central government, which the ONS says is largely due to academy conversions and jobs in the NHS.

Employment in central government stood at 2.9 million in June, and had risen by 1% on the previous quarter and 1.8% on the previous year.

The ONS also confirmed that there are 31.77 million people now in work – up by more than 550,000 in the past year and by 2.7 million since 2010.

‘We know that there are fewer children living in workless households too, which underlines our efforts to help people move into employment and to build a Britain that works for everyone, not just the privileged few,’ said work and pensions secretary, Damian Green.

‘But there’s more to do, and we will continue to work with businesses to help more people take up the wealth of opportunities out there in the economy.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Part Time Legal Caseworker - Corporate and Commercial Law

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Legal Caseworker - Corporate and Commercial LawPermanent, Full Time£25,081 to £27,653 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Education Safeguarding Adviser

Essex County Council
£36375.0000 - £42794.0000 per annum
Education Safeguarding AdviserFixed Term, Full Time£36,375 to £42,794 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Enviro Crime and Enforcement Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
SO2 - £38,934 to £40,755
Make a real difference in your community Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

White Rose Forest Landscape for Water Project Officer

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£38,220 - £40,777
The role of Landscapes for Water Project Officer and the White Rose Forest Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Finance Manager

Durham County Council
£66,164 to £68,493 p.a. (Band 2)
Are you an experienced finance leader ready to take on a high-profile role at the heart of a major organisational and financial transformation?   Durh Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner