One of Sir Keir Starmer’s prominent ministers in the government department is implementing significant job cuts in a bid to expedite civil service reform. The Cabinet Office, spearheaded by Pat McFadden, is informing its officials today that 2,100 out of 6,500 positions will either be eliminated or relocated to other government sectors over the next two years. These measures are part of broader reforms aimed at saving £110 million annually by 2028.
As the department that supports the prime minister and oversees the coordination of various specific government departments, the Cabinet Office plays a crucial role in the functioning of the civil service. However, civil service union Prospect has cautioned against the potential negative impact of such extensive cuts on government service delivery. According to the union, the sheer scale of these cuts could hinder operations across various government sectors.
Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and a key ally of Sir Keir Starmer, is at the forefront of driving civil service reform. By leading the way with job cuts within his own department, McFadden aims to set an example for others to follow. The restructuring will see around 1,200 positions phased out through voluntary redundancies or natural attrition, with a further 900 roles transferred to different government entities to prevent overlaps in responsibilities.
In recent weeks, the government has unveiled plans for substantial changes to the civil service, including a 15% reduction in the costs of government operations by the end of the decade. McFadden is advocating for performance-based pay for senior staff and stricter rules to address underperformance among civil servants. While specifics on the total number of job losses have not been disclosed, the recent announcement outlining the Cabinet Office’s restructuring indicates a more extensive overhaul than previously anticipated
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