New controls to help restrict the growth of the public service and employee costs have been implemented, but there are plenty of exemptions included.
The new framework has been developed to “increase scrutiny around recruitment, ensuring it only takes place where absolutely necessary”.
Departments will be supported to find ways to change and improve service delivery without hiring staff and adopt technology to boost productivity.
The framework forms part of the planned £10 million in savings and efficiencies in 2025/26 announced by the Chief Minister in September.
Alf Cannan will make a statement in Tynwald later today, providing an update on efforts to improve efficiency across the public service.
Exemptions
The framework covers the recruitment of all employed roles – permanent, interim, limited term appointments, and individual contracts – across all departments and offices. Statutory Boards, including Manx Care, are excluded.
The framework does not apply to consultancy or contracted services or to casual, bank and agency staff.
Each department must create a panel to review vacant roles below a certain seniority level that do not meet specific exemptions, as well as roles above that level.
Exempt roles are those critical to delivering frontline services such as teaching and emergency services, responsible for national security such as warranted police officers and those crucial for the maintenance of critical internal/external infrastructure.
The exemptions also include roles required by statute or to meet a legal requirement and responsible for income generation.
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