Overall public sector employment in Scotland fell by 1.3 per cent over the last year, statistics published by The Scottish Government today show.
When public sector financial institutions are excluded, public sector employment fell by 0.9 per cent from the second quarter of 2009.
But, NHS staffing levels in the second quarter of 2010 are still some 800 higher than the second quarter of 2009 – up 0.5 per cent.
Finance Secretary John Swinney said:-“Delivering cost-effective, joined up services which provide real value for money is vitally important in Scotland’s public sector – particularly as we face up to the huge challenge of dealing with Westminster imposed spending cuts.
“Today’s figures show we remain on target to see more staff employed in the NHS at the end of the current Parliament than at the start.
“The Scottish Government’s Simplification Programme has already delivered a reduction in the number of public bodies from a baseline of 199 to 154.
“We are on track to reduce this further to around 120 in 2011, as well as delivering estimated net savings of around 125 million pounds by 2013 and estimated net recurring annual savings of around 39 million pounds thereafter. The Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act, passed earlier this year, includes powers that can help the process of delivering greater efficiencies.
“Our public services must be responsive to the challenges which lie ahead – and we are firmly focused on achieving this through a sharper, better co-ordinated Scottish public sector.”
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