The Cabinet Office is set to reduce its workforce by approximately one-third, resulting in the elimination of around 1,200 positions and the transfer of an additional 900 staff to other government departments.
On Thursday, employees within the department were informed about this downsizing initiative. The 1,200 job cuts will primarily stem from voluntary redundancies and the decision not to fill vacancies as employees depart.
These reductions are part of the government’s stated goal to enhance the efficiency of the civil service, with projections suggesting that over 10,000 positions may be cut in the coming years.
Currently, the Cabinet Office employs about 6,500 “core staff” and plays a pivotal role in coordinating activities across the government, serving as a central hub within Whitehall.
In its revamped structure, the Cabinet Office will concentrate on fulfilling the prime minister’s main priorities, including national security, support for the union, and promoting good governance. The office aims to achieve annual savings exceeding £110 million by 2028 through restructuring, discontinuation of non-essential initiatives, and improved utilization of artificial intelligence and technology.
A source from the Cabinet Office remarked, “By setting an example, we are establishing a more streamlined and focused Cabinet Office that will drive efforts to reform the state and implement our transformation agenda. This government intends to allocate resources effectively towards essential services – ensuring more teachers in classrooms, additional hospital appointments, and increasing police presence on the streets.”
Initially, the Cabinet Office was aiming to cut 400 positions via voluntary redundancies but has already approved 540 applications, with further requests anticipated.
During an all-staff meeting on Thursday, Cat Little, the permanent secretary of the Cabinet Office, communicated to civil servants that the department would evolve to become more specialized, thereby enhancing its capacity to serve the public efficiently.
These actions align with Keir Starmer’s overarching goal to enhance the effectiveness of the state, reflecting the impatience felt by many ministers since taking office regarding the sluggish pace of proposed reforms.
In addition to dissolving quangos like NHS England, ministers are aiming to increase the proportion of civil servants engaged in digital and data-related roles to cultivate a workforce that is “fit for the future.” Chancellor Rachel Reeves has also unveiled plans to reduce operational costs within the civil service by 15% by the decade’s end.
Mike Clancy, the general secretary of the Prospect union, commented, “Budget cuts to administration may appear to be an easy method to save money while shielding frontline services. However, this logic overlooks the essential functions covered by administration.
“There is a significant risk that the government is approaching this incorrectly, establishing a savings target before formulating a comprehensive reform strategy. Reform should initiate with discussions on the intended role of the civil service, rather than focusing solely on cost reduction.”
A recent YouGov poll indicated that 64% of MPs believe that Whitehall is too risk-averse and resistant to new ideas, while 62% feel that its operations are too slow.
