Government must work with civil service unions on reform

Garry Graham, Prospect deputy general secretary, responding to the government’s announcement of civil service reform, said:

“The civil service and wider public sector have been at the forefront of our response to the pandemic, to Brexit, and to the climate emergency. They have delivered admirably in very challenging circumstances but the pandemic in particular has highlighted areas where there need to be improvements in the way things are resourced, managed and delivered.

“Today’s announcement about civil service reform is a welcome first step to address some of the issues Prospect has been pressing on for sometime now, such as valuing and maximising the benefit from STEM skills, additional training in key areas, and capability based pay which rewards knowledge skills and experience. The government needs to demonstrate it is serious.

“It is also welcome that Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove is making a virtue of working with the civil service to do this properly. This means working in tandem with civil service unions so we can achieve the best possible  outcomes for citizens and the staff who are passionate about what they do, the crucial contribution they make, and the services they deliver to make this country a safer and better place to live.

“If the government is serious about recognising the ongoing huge contribution of the civil service and wider public sector it must immediately lift the unfair and arbitrary pay freeze.”