Whitehall ‘less effective’ because of job cuts

More than one-third of civil servants believe the Government is botching its attempt to cut the size of Whitehall by allowing the most talented workers to leave.

A survey of more than 1,000 officials for Civil Service World found 35 per cent thought that the worst aspect of the redundancy programme was allowing “talented and skilled individuals” to leave. A similar number suggested that the programme had failed to “let poor performers go”.

Earlier this year, George Osborne announced a further 140,000 civil service job cuts on top of those already taking place as part of the 2010 spending review.

But the new survey suggests that there are widespread concerns over the process as well as fears that it could damage the ability of Whitehall departments to operate effectively.

Asked about the weakest aspects of the redundancy scheme, 35 per cent said “taking the opportunity to let poor performers go”, and the same proportion said “retaining talented and highly skilled individuals”.

In response to the survey, a Cabinet Office spokeswoman said the civil service had to “evolve and keep striving to better itself”.