The challenge for public sector HR: responding to the Operational Efficiency Programme

In 2010, the pressures on public sector HR will be twofold. From one direction public bodies will be facing a severe budget squeeze, job losses and modest pay rises coupled with an expectation of higher performance. The CIPD expects around 350,000 jobs to be lost in the sector by 2013–14, meaning that HR will be busy managing redundancies, restructuring and possibly industrial action.

The CIPD has undertaken an ongoing research project into delivering HR efficiencies in the public sector. We have spoken to many of our members to get a better understanding of where they are coming from and where they are going with organisational change. This
report provides an insight into the findings of that research and discusses how we can best support those affected through our services and conversations with government to make sure that the current challenge becomes a vehicle for building strategic capability.

Published November 2009