‘No States staff put on furlough’
NO CIVIL servants were furloughed during 2020, Policy & Resources has confirmed.
It faced a series of questions about established staff, home working and IT provision from Bob Murray.
The States deficit last year was £59m.
‘No established staff (or anyone from the States workforce) was furloughed during 2020,’ said P&R president Peter Ferbrache in response.
‘However, where the opportunity existed, steps were taken to bring zero hour contracts to an end and the non-renewal of fixed term contracts.
‘Other cost-cutting measures included the introduction of a restriction on the payment of overtime, other than in areas of the business where this was a contractual entitlement such as Health & Social Care and Law Enforcement, and more stringent controls on recruitment.’
He also confirmed that four members of established staff who had retired were re-employed last year.
Deputy Murray had pointed out they would have been entitled to draw part or all of their pensions after retirement and wanted to know what the costs of re-engagement was.
‘Due to the very small number of individuals concerned and the ability for them, by default, to be identified, it would not be appropriate to provide details of their remuneration costs during 2020,’ said Deputy Ferbrache.
Out of the States workforce, 2,000 front line workers are operating as normal, while 1,000 non-frontline staff are still on site.
That leaves about 1,800 working from home, largely civil servants and teachers.
‘Of the total workforce, 99.7% are currently employed either in their normal role or redeployed elsewhere.’
Asked about what IT facilities were being used to monitor productivity from those working remotely, Deputy Ferbrache confirmed there was none.
But staff had set objectives in their job descriptions and there were annual appraisals and regular meetings with line managers, these take place via Teams when necessary.
He also confirmed that in the last four years, seven staff made redundant had received contractual severance pay equating to more than their six-month salary.
One who was sacked also got awarded more because of a contribution to relocation costs.
