Now is the time to shake up and tackle the civil service & their pension scheme

[moot]

It has to be done some time in the future and perhaps now is a good time. Walker was afraid to tackle it and kept piddling around the problem. But 6500 civil servants for a population of 90.000 is far too much
With elections years away and the promise "not-to-mess-them" agreement running out this summer it can and should be done. I think MacClean and Ozouf have sensed this by publicly saying that the agreement will not be renewed and not too expect a pay rise this year respectively. They recently appointed a highly qualified States HR chief who doesn't know anybody yet and has no emotional ties which would prevent them from cleaning up
Over the years too many have been promoted to managers and middle managers and now there are far too many high earning chiefs and few indians. There need to be a cut in the layer of middle management and some of the big chiefs can take that first boat in the morning back to the UK
It will be painful but it has to be done just like it is being done in the private sector
Someone ruthless needs to look at the big picture of the service and identify quickly the areas which are wasting our money in grand fashion. The goal is to become lean and efficient
I feel sorry for those who have to go but it is needed for the best of the island. Obviously they should be cared for and helped. Whilst there are many in the service who work bloody hard there are also many who think they do but are simply shuffling paper around to protect their jobs
There are very few private companies who still entertain final salary pensions and I cannot see a reason why the civil service would be different. It could bankrupt us so get rid !
At the same time we need a much stronger and courageous chief minister. Someone who has respect, can crack the whip, take no nonsense from States members and reminds them who put them where they are and why.
Terry le Sueur has lost respect with the way he dealt with Perchard. He has shown weakness and respect, once lost, is difficult to regain. He is after all the CHIEF minister and should act like it (instead of farting around with meercats )
We need a common-sense revolution !

[Dylan]

Nice posting Moot, Who do you have in mind???

[Dundee]

Nice posting Moot, Who do you have in mind???

Jimmy, he is not afraid to suggest cuts where they are needed.

[moot]

http://www.thisisjersey.com/2009/04/18/states-staff-numbers-rise/

THE number of States workers continues to rise, according to new figures released this week.
While many firms lay off staff, the public sector headcount continues to grow, albeit at a slower rate than in the past.
However, warnings have been issued that public sector job numbers may be cut and a pay freeze could be on the horizon. But for many in the private sector a pay freeze is already a stark reality of the recession.
The figures released by the Treasury Minister, Senator Philip Ozouf, show that a total of 6,654 employees were being paid by taxpayers at the end of 2008, the highest year-end figure ever.

While private sector employees continue to lose their jobs left right and centre the Civil Service grows and grows. Those who have recently lost their job and are struggling will probably still have to pay income tax ( and GST ). This money will go towards paying the salaries for these extra civil servants. Amazing isn't it ?
Terry, Ozouf and McClean, when will you learn ?

[moot]

Nice posting Moot, Who do you have in mind???

If you are referring to a new Chief Minister my choice would be Le Herissier or Crowcroft who would be able to gain respect from many Jersey residents. Both are well educated /read, good speakers, ordinary without pretence and in my view have the best interest of the Jersey people at heart
Both also ride bicycles instead of posh cars

[Pomme de terre]

Excellent post Moot, I had been thinking along those lines too.  One day, Jersey needs to have its own winter of discontent.

[White Knight]

I agree with you there Moot but not Crowcroft. It needs someone with a very strong backbone. No matter how bad the real findings are with the abuse case they need to come clean. That would put Jersey in a good light if we were to bring the guilty to court. Next remove the Bailiff from the States and have a speaker of no political interest. The Greffier would make a good speaker, he does it on occasions and does it well i found. One big clean sweep!

[plus_ca_change]

The time to cut civil service jobs is when things are booming.  Thats when there are ample alternatives for people to do other things. It also means holding back costs to save for when things go bad, as they inevitably do. As so often we have it back to front. For a better example try Norway.

[moot]

The time to cut civil service jobs is when things are booming.  Thats when there are ample alternatives for people to do other things. It also means holding back costs to save for when things go bad, as they inevitably do. As so often we have it back to front. For a better example try Norway.

Is that the Norway of "Nul points"

[ageofaquarius]

As one of the dreadful civil servants, I would like to think that the money I have been paying into my pension fund will one day come to fruition, I have paid in after all.  I agree that cuts need to be made, but our government is run by civil servants. In the UK a lot of similar jobs are run by county councils.  I believe it was Shenton snr who changed all of that way back. Its not so much the amount of cs but the inefficient way departments are run because 'we've always done it this way' If you question and rock the boat you are against a wall of indifference, an element of it's not my job and let those who know better do something about it. Resistance is useless.

There are few perks(unless you're one of the chosen few) but the big one is I guess the pension and relative job security (unless your the Minster) but it's not as cosy as it sounds and the majority work hard for just enough; the cut backs have really been felt by those on the front line.

[moot]

As one of the dreadful civil servants, I would like to think that the money I have been paying into my pension fund will one day come to fruition, I have paid in after all.  I agree that cuts need to be made, but our government is run by civil servants. In the UK a lot of similar jobs are run by county councils.  I believe it was Shenton snr who changed all of that way back. Its not so much the amount of cs but the inefficient way departments are run because 'we've always done it this way' If you question and rock the boat you are against a wall of indifference, an element of it's not my job and let those who know better do something about it. Resistance is useless.
There are few perks(unless you're one of the chosen few) but the big one is I guess the pension and relative job security (unless your the Minster) but it's not as cosy as it sounds and the majority work hard for just enough; the cut backs have really been felt by those on the front line.

Thanks for that and especially for the saying "We've always done it this way" This speaks volumes and it is one the things I hate most. How on earth can something change with this motto ?  Each day we wake up to a new day and with that we should think of innovation, creativity and renewal. Not for an employer or manager's sake but for our own. Live for today and see how we can improve on yesterday. It keeps you alive and young - it certainly has done the trick for me 
Even redundancy can be turned into something fresh and new if one has the strength of character. After rain comes sunshine. Every experience is a learning one
I can see that you obviously have the right attitude and no doubt you would pick yourself quickly if you're a victim of cuts. Remember it might actually do you a favour and push you into doing something you always wanted to do
Every cloud has a silver lining and not all civil servants are dreadful !

[rogueelement]

I would love to do a time and motion study through a department like planning. With an increase in staff of over 200% in the past 20 years , they have managed to increase the time taken to get a decision by a similar percentage and the temerity to charge the applicant evermore for their useless service.Strange how the small private dwelling gets put through the mill , with even the colour of your door knobs being vetted , whilst the Big Plans get through on the nod of the minister.Time for a major rethink in that dept!

[Dylan]

Nice quote roguelement, er I mean Spurtacuss, Harley isn't such a one trick pony after all! Planning need banning - simple!

[White Knight]

Ageofaquarius you are bang on with what you say about the CS. You do deserve your pension at the end of the day no matter what the private sector say. No one stop anybody from applying to work for the States but most looked at the lowish wages and thought no thanks i can earn more else where. I could have not worked for the States but sure glad i did, retired now and yes thanks got my pension after 40 years of service and hope you get yours to.

[more]

 Anyone read Ben Queree's article. A week in Politics in today's Monday's J.E.P?
 Its not all about civil servants.But it looks as if at least this journalist is waking up  to writing truth and the real world we live in and known for as long as many of us can remember, Advocated it for years. The millions going down the drain the could'nt care less attidude, Years of wasteful spending.Ben hit the nail on the head, Those coming into the states as in last election are hardly to be envied, in not only having to cope with the present confused system,But blunders they are now expected to resolved left neglected from the past. With new changes in laws hopefully, they eventually will bring serious changes needed. Young Deputy Macon spoke out well on his views on housing recently. Personally feel amount of questions now coming to the fore by so many new members.Hopefully long standing Deputies who never speak may just pick themselves up in finding the same courage needed. In putting this island and its people'needs first.I believe a lot of infighting well not last, and was bound to happen till the oppressive regime that has lasted so long ( not helped by F. Walker as chief minister) And pick of unsuitable Ministers  heading  departments. not capable for these Posts.Bill who heads the civil service rules O.K,with his chiefs given so much Power and nicely placed. Until serious changes take root and firmly ousted,Its unfair not to give new members who having been  less than 6 months as States members
 now show willingness to speak out and now  able  to see how they vote.  As more will eventually bring propositions to be voted upon.Agree fully with Moots contribution on civil servants. Congratulations. Also B.Querree in telling it as it is for a change.More of these articles, including this on Forum, that Politians can see public is no longer a silent majority. Should give sound ideas to politicians who choose to take note, There is after all allways another Election.