I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 to 236, inclusive, together.
In order to implement savings measures on public service numbers, the Government introduced a moratorium on recruitment, promotion, or payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade, with effect from 27 March 2009. The Employment Control Framework for 2010-2012 gives effect to the Government decision on employment policy in the public sector. It provides that there will be a net reduction in employment to 2012. This includes a target reduction in numbers in 2010 to achieve the overall reduction of 6,000 from March 2009 to the end 2012 and consequential pay roll savings. Based on numbers reductions already achieved in 2009, the net target reduction to end 2012 is 4,560 WTE (or 1,520 per annum).
Similar to 2009, there are a number of grades exempted from the moratorium to maintain key front line services and to support the development of policies in relation to disability, mental health, cancer, and child care.
The numbers of relevant grades cited in the question are set out in the following table:
Numbers (WTE excld. career break) employed in the public health service
|
31/12/2008
|
31/03/2009
|
31/12/2009
|
31/03/2010
|
Medical grades
|
7,763.55
|
7,788.97
|
7,737.26
|
7,717.08
|
Nursing grades
|
38,107.92
|
38,789.00
|
37,466.03
|
37,720.50
|
Physiotherapist grades
|
1,448.91
|
1,464.21
|
1,468.83
|
1,486.54
|
Porter grades
|
1,642.43
|
1,650.95
|
1,525.54
|
1,526.81
|
Theatre Technician/Porter/Attendant
|
49.16
|
51.34
|
50.75
|
49.71
|
Domestic grades
|
3,359.48
|
3,307.25
|
3,250.25
|
3,173.88
|
Nurses Aides
|
167.34
|
174.32
|
157.12
|
155.41
|
Notes:
(i) Medical grades includes all the grades of the Medical/Dental grade category excluding the dental grades.
(ii) Student nurses are included in the 2008 employment ceiling on the basis of 3.5 students equating to 1 wholetime equivalent. The employment level for nursing grades (adjusted for student nurses on the above basis) is 38,084 WTEs (Dec 08).
(iii) In the case of some agencies, data for March may not have been returned due to industrial action. Where this occurs, data has been rolled forward from the previous census.
The numbers of staff employed in the public health service are set out in the following table:
Numbers (WTE excld. career break) employed in the public health service
31/12/2008
|
31/03/2009
|
31/12/2009
|
31/03/2010
|
111,025.30
|
111,769.97
|
109,752.90
|
109,754.74
|
(1) Excludes Home Helps.
(2) Student nurses are included in the 2008 employment ceiling on the basis of 3.5 students equating to 1 wholetime equivalent. The employment level adjusted for student nurses on the above basis is 111,001 WTEs (Dec 08).
(3) In the case of some agencies, data for March may not have been returned due to industrial action. Where this occurs, data has been rolled forward from the previous census.
In addition, a full list of the grades in the public health service and the numbers employed in each (for the dates above) will be forwarded to the Deputy.