The public service has been told to expect more job cuts as the government trims its spending.State Services Minister Tony Ryall said the public service grew by 50% between 1999 and 2008, and the National government brought it under control."In the f
The public service has been told to expect more job cuts as the government trims its spending.
State Services Minister Tony Ryall said the public service grew by 50% between 1999 and 2008, and the National government brought it under control.
"In the first year there were 1500 fewer core government administrative positions, a 4% drop," he said in a speech to the Public Service Association congress.
"Further reductions in core government administration staff can be expected - the pressure on departments isn't coming off any time soon."
Finance Minister Bill English warned in his May budget speech of tough times ahead for the public service, and Mr Ryall said "the road ahead is long and the speed of change will only accelerate."
He said all departments had to think about living without any budget increases for the next three to five years.
"We are, and will continue to be for some years, in very tight financial times," he said.
"In many ways, the pressure on public finances is getting greater, not lesser."
