§ Mr. Albert Robertsasked the Minister for the Civil Service what was the number of civil servants in post on 1st January 1977 and the reasons for any major changes since 1st October 1976; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisOn 1st January 1977 there were 746,161 staff in post—a net increase of 54 compared with 1st October 1976.
The following table shows the changes that have occurred between 1st October 1976 and 1st January 1977:
581W
Department Increase/Decrease since 1st October 1976 Reason Inland Revenue … +1,323 Primarily to cope with increases in work brought about by inflation and its effect on personal tax levels. Employment Group … +1,527 To deal with increases in work due to the continuing rise in the number of unemployed and to meet the expansion of work on vocational training and health and safety inspection. Health and Social Security … +731 Mainly to cope with a greater number of claims for supplementary benefits as a result of rising unemployment. Extra staff also required for preparatory work on child benefits. Ministry of Defence … -2,492 Defence Review Reductions. Other Departments … -1,035 Net Change … +54 Over the last year the growth of the Civil Service has been virtually halted—the increase since 1st January 1976 is 1,041. The overall figure covers both expansions and contractions; most of the expansion has occurred in those Departments whose workload is influenced by the effects of unemployment and inflation. I expect the numbers in these Departments to continue to increase over the next few months and, as the full effects of the reductions that we have planned for 1978–79 have not yet been felt, the total number of civil servants may even go above 750,000 for a brief period. In the course of next year, however, the planned reductions will come into effect and I expect the figures to return to their present level by the end of the year. By 1978–79, on present plans, the numbers should be below the present level and continue to fall for some time thereafter.