Wednesday, 21 December 2011

Public sector employment in Scotland

The latest public sector employment figures highlight the impact public spending cuts are having on jobs and services. Branches have a received a briefing today but the headlines include:
  • There are 588,900 people employed in the public sector in Scotland, a decrease of 23,500 (3.8%) since last year. Public sector employment accounted for 23.7% of total employment, down from 24.7% 2010.
  • This has been driven by a decrease in local government (inc. Police & Fire) employment. Total local government employment decreased by 13,300 (4.5%) over the last year. 
  • Employment in the NHS decreased by 4,200 (2.7%) over the year, from 158,800 to 154,500.
  • Other Public Bodies (inc NDPBs) down by 1,000 (6.0%); Public Corporations down by 50 (0.4%).
  • Further Education colleges down by 2,000 (11.8%). HE is not classified as public sector. 
This is also grim news for the economy. For every public sector job lost, more than one goes in
the private sector. That's why, contrary to the Chancellor's claim, private sector jobs are not
plugging the gap. The consequential unemployment figures are highlighted in today's STUC analysis 'Christmas on the dole in Scotland'.


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