22 April 2005
Almost 800 public sector jobs face the axe in Scotland as a part of the government's efficiency drive.
Ministers have confirmed for the first time the number of posts in the civil service and public sector that will go. Until now, no figure has been put on the likely job cuts north of the border following Sir Peter Gershon's review.
The scale of job losses has been disclosed in Scottish Executive documents giving the details of the efficiency review carried out by First Minister Jack McConnell.
These are in devolved areas and do not include Scottish-based posts in UK departments such as the Department for Work and Pensions and the Inland Revenue.
McConnell stressed the Executive's public spending policy of redirecting resources to frontline services. 'The saving will finance 2,000 teachers in Scotland and 1,500 special constables, nurses and doctors,' he said.
Under the Scottish Executive plans, a total of 1,051 posts are due to be cut by 2007/08. However, 265 new posts will be created, giving a net loss of 786 jobs.
An Executive spokesman said increased efficiency and less bureaucracy could mean that fewer jobs were required to deliver the same, or better, results. 'We will employ the very best personnel practice and expect to manage any reduction in posts through natural wastage,' the spokesman said.
According to the technical notes, job reductions will be made in Scottish Executive departments and in a number of public agencies.
In the Executive's administration department, about 130 civil service jobs are due to be cut as a result of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, while savings of around £135m in the Crown Office and procurator fiscal service will lead to the loss of 35 jobs.
Some of the biggest job cuts, however, could take place in the NHS. According to the technical notes, as many as 600 jobs losses have been identified in 23 NHS Scotland organisations, to be achieved through redeployment or early retirement.
As part of the Executive's efficiency review, which is being overseen by Finance Minister Tom McCabe, year-on-year savings of £745m are due to be achieved by 2007/08.
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