Scottish Government to cut 11,000 public sector jobs as part of 'efficiency savings'

Finance secretary Shona Robison has confirmed the Scottish Government will cut 11,000 public sector jobs as part of efficiency savings.

In a budget which included changes to income tax, increases for Scottish child payments, and separate taxes on mansions and private jets, Robison stated that £1.5 billion in planned efficiencies and reforms would need to be made to “protect investment in frontline services”.

Robison told STV News political editor Colin Mackay on Scotland Tonight, that “the public sector needs to change, and it needs to be smaller”.

She added that changes will be made to the way corporate services are delivered, back-office functions, and the way services are structured. Robison also suggested that health boards and shared services among local authorities could be impacted.

When pressed on the number of jobs the Scottish Government is looking to cut in the public sector, the MSP confirmed that “It amounts to about 11,000 jobs.”

Robison revealed the cuts will be made “on a natural attrition and a voluntary basis”.

She told Scotland Tonight: “We think we can do that, but it does mean change. That’s the use of digital and automation (services), services need to be delivered in a different way.

“But we need as much of that investment in public services to go to the frontline, which will mean changes in our corporate costs.”

The finance secretary added that health boards, corporate services and the way services are constructed “will need to change”.