The Public Services Commission has reported an ageing workforce, rising sickness levels, and continued growth in staff numbers in its latest annual review.
The 2023/24 report reveals the average age of PSC employees is now 47 – three years older than the UK Civil Service median – with many senior roles filled by workers in their 50s and 60s.
At the same time, sickness absence has jumped sharply to 5.62% of worktime lost, up from 4.63% the previous year.
Stress, anxiety and depression accounted for nearly 13,000 lost days.
Despite these challenges, the PSC workforce grew by 3.52% to 4,140.61 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) employees in 2023/24. Manx Care remains the largest employer with 1,062.97 FTE staff.
Julie Bradley, Executive Director of the Office of Human Resources, acknowledged the pressures: “The increasing need for complex skills comes as roles evolve, while an older workforce presents particular wellbeing challenges. We’re implementing targeted support including mental health training for managers.”
The report shows:
- Over 50% of senior civil service grades are aged 50+
- Sickness absence peaked at 7.02% in October 2023
- The service added 140.81 FTE posts year-on-year
With voluntary resignations driving a 7.15% staff turnover rate, the report highlights plans to modernise HR policies and develop new leadership programmes to address the changing demographics.
The full 2023/24 report can be read below:
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