PSA concerned about cuts at the Ministry of Education

The Public Service Association is concerned about the impact that cuts at the Ministry of Education will have on the delivery of education services.

Education Minister Anne Tolley has today announced that the Ministry has to identify savings of $25 million by the 2012/13 financial year ahead of this year’s Budget in May.

The Ministry told its staff this morning that it would have to cut at least $10 million in the next financial year starting June 1.

The Ministry says some activities will be scaled back or discontinued and reductions in staffing levels are likely over time.

The Ministry of Education is the government’s lead adviser on our education system. That system educates around 760,000 students in more than 2500 schools, close to 200,000 children in more than 4600 early childhood education centres and more than 480,000 students enrolled in tertiary education.

“The Ministry of Education has a huge job that is critical to our success as a country,” says PSA national secretary, Brenda Pilott.

“We have serious concerns about the impact this cut in spending will have on the Ministry’s ability to do this critical work.”

“We will be keeping a close eye on any impact the cost cutting has on the delivery of education services.”

“Our concern is that in cutting $25 million the Ministry will end up eroding the support network it has for its front line services.”

“This will mean staff in front line roles will become increasingly tied up in doing administrative work and the delivery of service at the front line will suffer.”

“We are pleased the Ministry has given a commitment to work with its staff to find ways of cutting costs and that any cut to staffing will be through attrition wherever possible.”

“We will be working to ensure staff are treated fairly and transparently and support the Ministry’s commitment to managing the impact of the cost cutting in that manner,” says Brenda Pilott.

ENDS

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