Progress on Scottish Government workforce reform

Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee has responded to the publication of the Scottish Government Workforce September 2024 statistics. 

Mr McKee said:  

“There has been a 2.3% reduction to the total Scottish Government workforce between March 2022 and September 2024. This has been driven by substantially reducing the number of contractors and consultants utilised by the government, with these staff down by 39% over the same period.

“Further to today’s statistics, we have additional measures in place to manage the size of the workforce – including recruitment controls that aim to support public service reform. In the longer-term we are working in partnership with trade unions and across the public sector on reform so that services remain fiscally sustainable and improve outcomes for the people and communities that need them most.” 

Background 

Scottish Government Workforce Statistics September 2024 - gov.scot

The Scottish Government remains committed to the well-being of our workforce and to our Fair Work principles, and to working in partnership with our recognised trade unions. 

Scottish Government workforce data is available at: www.gov.scot/publications/workforce-information/