Govt staffing costs review wins support

Concerns flagged over cost of project

An MHK's bid to streamline government staffing costs will be considered.

Onchan member Julie Edge today (21 June) brought a revised motion to Tynwald, calling for a structural review of Civil Service employees at executive officer level and above.

It follows a failed attempt in April to set up an independent review of employment costs across government, when Ms Edge voiced concern a 'top-heavy' management structure had been created.

The motion was approved, although Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas raised concerns over how it would be paid for. 

He said a full-scale review would cost 'hundreds of thousands of pounds', must be managed and not be allowed to damage morale at a time when there was pressure on an 'over-stretched' public service workforce.

Tynwald ultimately agreed to support the motion, amended by Mr Baker, so the timing and cost of a review be agreed before it begins.