G.O.B. Imposes Freeze on a Number of Measures to Limit Spending in Public Service

Government is moving to limit spending and contain expenditures in the public service by imposing a freeze on a number of measures due to the expected economic upheaval relating to COVID-19.  A memorandum was issued today by the Financial Secretary directing the relevant authorities to take heed.  Now, figures in the PM’s budget speech to the House puts the wage bill at five hundred and forty point five million dollars, a figure that has doubled over the past ten years.  The budget estimates puts personal emoluments at sixteen thousand two hundred and seventy-two officers, but the PM presented a lower figure in his budget speech.  With a huge wage bill representing more than thirty-four point five percent of the expenditure, government is now looking to trim fat.  A six-month freeze has been placed on new posts, filling of any vacant posts, employment and re-employment and payment in lieu of vacation leave. G.O.B. will not be entertaining staff advances, approval of periodic allowances, workshops, seminars and non-essential internal travel and non-essential purchasing of supplies, software and equipment.  As it relates to overtime, where necessary, hours must be kept at the very minimum and no more than twenty-hours per month. According to the memo, special consideration will be given to healthcare providers.