Civil service policy is 'strengthening frontline'

The number of people working for the government in Jersey, excluding healthcare and education staff, has reduced by 181 as a recruitment freeze on back office jobs continues.

The government said the reduction to 8,908 staff showed the impact of its policy to "prioritise staff recruitment to frontline services".

Overall the government figures showed an increase in headcount of 153, which includes staff in healthcare and education.

The government said this included workers who had been moved from agency employment and given permanent contracts in a bid to cut consultancy costs.

The government said the overall rise in head count last year was "considerably lower" than the 394 increase in 2024 and the 457 growth in 2023.

Overall headcount increased by 1,185 between 2022 and 2024, according to government figures.

Deputy Malcolm Ferey, vice-chair of the States Employment Board, said the government had "strengthened frontline services by investing in key staff in those areas".

A recruitment freeze for non-essential senior roles began in August 2024 and was extended the following year.

A further freeze began in December 2025 for all non-essential roles.

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