Plan to end jobs embargo put to unions

PROPOSALS to replace the civil service jobs embargo with a "new numbers policy", aimed at reducing the total number of civil …

PROPOSALS to replace the civil service jobs embargo with a "new numbers policy", aimed at reducing the total number of civil servants by agreement, have been put by the Government to the civil service unions.

The embargo, under which only one in three vacancies could be filled, has resulted in limited industrial action which was set to escalate.

Under the new proposals, staffing would be reduced by a specified number between now and July 1997. The plan would mean agreeing on a total number for the civil service, and agreeing a total with each department. The departments would then set a number for the different grades.

A spokesman for the Department of Finance pointed out last night that the Minister, Mr Quinn, had described the embargo as "a crude measure" at the time it was introduced, and had said he would consider alternatives.

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However, because of the rate of increase in numbers of civil servant up to last December, when Mr Quinn introduced the ban, he needed to act to stem the growth, the spokesman said.

The increase in civil service numbers in 1995 was 1,121, compared with an increase of 538 in 1994. This brought the total number to 29,491 by the end of last year.

It is understood that each of the civil service unions is reserving its position on the proposals. Talks are already taking place with the Labour Relations Commission on a range of issues, including both pay and staff numbers.

Meanwhile, on Thursday the Government will announce details of its Strategic Management Initiative for the public service. This is aimed at bringing modern management and organisational principles into the public service.