Written question asked by Chris Ruane (Labour) on Monday, 17 October 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 October 2011. It was answered by Danny Alexander (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 24 October 2011 on behalf of the Treasury.

Employment: Public Sector

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department is taking to support areas of the UK with high levels of public sector employment.

Answer: The public sector paybill accounts for around half of departmental resource spending, so deficit reduction will inevitably impact on the public sector workforce. Failing to tackle the deficit would cause more harm to job prospects in the public sector in the medium term.Most public sector workforces are spread throughout the country so we do not expect major variations in job losses between regions. However, there may be more localised impacts.The Government will monitor actively potential workforce reductions—looking to use the Jobcentre Plus Rapid Response Teams as appropriate.The Regional Growth Fund will also support local projects with significant growth potential.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 75919; 534 c20W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Public Sector: Manpower
Monday, 20 February 2012
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Employment Public sector
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk