Civil Service recruitment freeze extended

Friday, 4 April 2025 08:00

The government has removed 1,000 positions.

The recruitment freeze in Jersey's civil service has been widened, lasting for longer and covering more roles.

The government has announced it is extending the block on taking on new civil servants until the end of March 2026.

In addition, the scope of the freeze now includes positions with an annual salary of £53,589 or more (Civil Service Grade 9) and to all non-clinical, non-teaching and non-social worker roles in Health (HCJ) and Education (CYPES). It does not affect clinical, teaching and social work jobs.

A targeted recruitment freeze was introduced was in August 2023, with the aim to save the taxpayer 'millions'.

It affected non-essential, non-frontline workers and at more senior posts from Civil Service Grade 11, with salaries of £66,000 pa or more.

It was due to be for at least nine months, with a review after six months.

The government says it has 'has removed 1,000 unfilled vacancies, saved millions of pounds for taxpayers and prioritised frontline services for islanders.'

In the main, those numbers have been achieved by not replacing civil servants who have left or retired, with the focus of recruitment in the Health and Education sectors, and on career development and progression of existing employees.

Deputy Malcom Ferey, Vice-Chair of the States Employment Board, has reassured islanders the freeze is having a positive effect:

“This government pledged to curb the growth in the size of the public sector, focus on frontline staff and develop on-Island talent rather than relying on agency workers. The policy is working, and we want to continue to reap those benefits while saving taxpayers money.”