This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Public sector jobs increase
30/06/2006
Latest statistics show that in the first quarter of 2006 there were 586,400 people employed in the public sector and 1,878,600 people employed in the private sector.
The figures show an estimated annual increase in NHS staff of 3,700 and a 3,900 increase in the number of teachers, classroom assistants and education staff since the same period in 2005.
Finanace and Public Service Reform Minister Tom McCabe said:
"We are determined to drive up efficiency and tackle bureaucracy across the whole public sector. The people of Scotland expect and deserve world-class public services.
"This is why I have launched our discussion document, Transforming Public Services - it offers the public sector a unique opportunity to put forward views on how they can reform our public services. The size, productivity and efficiency of the public sector is, of course, central to this dialogue process.
"It is crucial that we invest in the right areas of the public sector. We have already seen the benefits of increased investment in frontline workers with record numbers of teachers, doctors, nurses and police officers.
"We must ensure our public services are sufficiently resourced but we do not want to consume any more precious resources or employ any more staff than necessary. We will be looking at cutting duplication and bureaucracy to ensure we have more efficient and effective public services.
"Record investment in Scotland's public services has halved the number of vacant teaching posts in Scotland over the past year and strengthened our police forces with an extra 861 officers over the past three years.
"Historically high levels of employment and a growing economy are enabling us to deliver free nursery places, smaller primary class sizes, reduced NHS waiting times and more support for businesses.
"However, there is a balance that must be struck between the private and public sectors. The Executive is fully committed to growing our economy and creating opportunities for business and the private sector."