William Eichler 20 March 2019

Local government employment at ‘record low’

The number of people employed in the local government sector has plummeted to a ‘new record low’, data reveals.

The Office for National Statistics estimates that in December 2018 there were 2.04 million people working in this cash-strapped sector.

This is down 10,000 (0.5%) compared with September 2018 and down 44,000 (2.1%) compared with December 2017.

Meanwhile, the number of people employed in central Government has increased to a record high of 3.17 million for December 2018.

It is up 24,000 (0.8%) compared with September 2018 and up 104,000 (3.4%) compared with December 2017

According to the ONS, this rise is the result of academy conversions, increases in employment in the National Health Service and the Civil Service.?

#Council staff

Digital Transformation, AI and Local Government: The Case for Workforce Upskilling

The new LocalGov and Multiverse report explores how workforce upskilling is driving smarter, more efficient, and inclusive local government transformation.

Why Reform UK is misguided, mistaken and just plain wrong on pensions

Reform UK’s plan to close the LGPS to new entrants would deepen recruitment crises and push low-paid workers towards poverty, argues UNISON’s Glyn Jenkins.

Most Popular News

EXCLUSIVE: Pay spine review kicks off

Local government reorganisation in Essex 'over'

Reform UK plans to scrap defined benefit council pensions

Deputy leader apologises for sharing violent post about MP

Government unveils £4bn SEND package

New Products

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

UK-first tool developed by Bluesky scores areas green credentials to aid urban planners

Case Studies

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade

Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland

Acrospire Enhances Harlington Underpass with Energy-Saving Vandal-Resistant Lighting

Company Anouncements

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Vent-Axia Welcomes Healthy Homes Standard

Vent-Axia Helps Tackle Condensation and Mould this World Ventilation Day

Airtech Calls For Urgent Government Action to Support Radon Awareness Week

About Us At Oxfordshire County Council (OCC), our Supported Travel Service plays a vital role in keeping communities across the county connected, independent and involved. Every day, a dedicated team of around 200 staff members supports the journeys and t Oxford

Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Contract & Compliance Manager

£63,576 - £67,003

Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Procurement Manager

£49587 - £52860

At West Northamptonshire Council, we are currently looking for two experienced procurement professionals to join and support both our People and Resources and Place and Capital Business Partner teams. As procurement managers you will play a central role Northampton

Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council