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 Finance Administrator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Finance AdministratorPermanent, Part Time£25,081 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Customer Services Adviser (Housing Repairs

Mansfield District Council
£28,598 - £33,699 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire - a place of many strong connections Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

No Wrong Door Deputy Manager

North Yorkshire Council
From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and dynamic professional to join our management team within our innovative No Wrong Door (NWD) service. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Resource Centre Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £38,220 per annum pro rata
You will work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that you have sound knowledge of the children you are caring for Morton on Swale, Northallerton
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
Our Family Assessment and Support Teams you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner