Thomas Bridge 12 December 2012

Public sector employment continues three-year shrink

Public sector employment fell by 324,000 on last year, marking the twelfth consecutive quarter in which staff numbers have fallen.

In comparison to the third quarter of last year, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that total employment in UK local government decreased by 32,000 whereas central government saw an increase of 13,000.

While the reclassification of further educational bodies and sixth form centres in June accounted for a 196,000 person move from the public to the private sector, an additional 128,000 fewer people were employed in the public sector in September 2012 than in the previous year.

Discounting the realignment of educational facilities, public administration in the public sector saw the largest fall in employment with 36,000 fewer people hired than in September 2011 and a 1% fall in the third quarter of this year.

Health and social work outside of the National Health Service (NHS) saw the largest proportional fall on September 2011, reporting 7.3% fewer members of staff.

For September 2012, the ONS reports that 3,000 fewer public sector employees were seen in each of the police, HM Forces, civil service and NHS.

However the three months to October saw 44,000 more people in full time employment than between May and July of this year, with the number of unemployed falling by 82,000 during the same period.

In comparison to the same period in 2007, 421,000 fewer people are in full time employment and 879,000 more are unemployed.

Half a century in the chamber image

Half a century in the chamber

Cllr Dr James Walsh was elected to Arun District Council in 1975. Here he tells LocalGov what he's learned about trust, transformation and keeping it local.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Planning Administrator - Rochford District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £15.0000 per hour
Planning Administrator - Rochford District Council Rochford, Essex Part-Time, Temporary - 6 Months Contract 22.5 hours per week (3 days) £15.00 PAYE / England, Essex, Rochford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Custody Navigator

Middlesbrough Council
£31,022 - £32,597
We have an exciting role on offer within our Youth Justice Service as a Custody Navigator. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Accounts Receivable Advisor

Middlesbrough Council
£27,254 - £28,142
We have an exciting role on offer within our Resident and Business Support service Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Revenues and Benefits Apprentice

Mansfield District Council
National Minimum Wage rate
Do you have the confidence and communication skills to provide a friendly, helpful and efficient service? Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Team Leaders

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363 (pay award pending)
Team Leaders – Opportunities are available across the County Durham Area   Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner