Minister: 889 have been employed on contract since August 2nd

The Ministry of the Public Service and its associated agencies have employed 889 employees on contract, inclusive of those renewed on contract since August 2, 2020.

This information was provided by Minister of the Public Service Sonia Parag as she was responding to questions asked by APNU+AFC MP Tabitha Sarabo-Halley.

The responses were circulated during yesterday’s sitting of the National Assembly.

In her written response, on the designation and salary scale of each person employed on contract, inclusive of those renewed on contract in the Ministry and its associated agencies since August 2, 2020, Parag detailed that the salaries range from those who earn $70,000 to those whose salary falls within $438,945 to $776,645.

Among the groups listed by Parag are 57 cleaners, 50 vehicle drivers, 68 nursing assistants, 32 confidential secretaries, 23 Warden IIs, 21 Community Development Officers, 13 personal assistants, 71 (Government) Medical Officers, 10 permanent secretaries, 13 handymen and 11 dental aides.

However, the figure does not include an additional five contracted employees, who were employed in the Ministry of Public Service after August 2, 2020.

These are the Deputy Permanent Secretary, who is paid within the $364,159 to $611, 319 range, two confidential secretaries who are each paid within the $83,917 and $105,671 range, a personal assistant and a ministerial advisor.

The personal assistant is being paid within the $110,733 and $154,184 range while the ministerial advisor is being paid within the $438,945 and $776,645 range.

Sarabo-Halley further asked for advice to be provided on whether the salaries and allowances of the contracted employees were catered for in the 2020 budget and under which line item.

In response, Parag noted that the five contracted employees, employed in the Ministry after August 2, 2020 were not catered for in the 2020 emergency budget.

“However, the said employees were paid under the line item 6141, i.e. Revision of wages and salaries paid by the Ministry of Finance,” Parag said.