Jobs to go at MOE to reach savings target
Ministry of Education staff have been told that jobs will have to be cut in response to the Government’s target of 7.5% in savings for their department.
Secretary for Education Iona Holsted sent an email to staff yesterday saying that the ministry would have to cut back work in some areas and remove as much duplication as possible. “This morning I informed our staff unions that, unfortunately, this will result in a reduction in our ministry workforce.”
She also said that spending on contractors and consultants and travel and meetings would also have to be pared back.
In mid-November, MoE had paused the majority of recruitment, halting hiring for almost 160 jobs. A spokesperson said at the time it was “putting pressure on the organisation”.
Holsted said there would be changes proposed to roles in business groups.
“These proposed changes will be in addition to our current recruitment pause, which will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
“As a reminder, recruitment for specified frontline delivery roles is continuing as normal, while other critical appointments are being considered on a case-by-case basis.”
The exception for the recruitment pause is for specified roles that directly support children, teachers and principals, with other high-priority appointments considered on a case-by-case basis.
Holsted said those “whose roles may be impacted by proposed changes will be engaged with, and able to provide feedback through a consultation process, along with their representatives”. “Over and above meeting the savings targets, we will continue to seek efficiencies and improve the effectiveness of our departmental and non-departmental spend,” she said.
It comes a week after the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) put a cap on staff, cut a senior role and considered restructuring part of its department. In emails to staff, chief executive Andrew Kibblewhite anticipated a modest reduction in headcount over time, with the strategic leadership team running the ruler over every vacancy to decide whether to fill it. MoJ has been asked to make 6.5% in savings.