Statement on termination of Public Service posts.
Government has commenced its programme for restructuring the public service and for reducing expenditure in this adjustment exercise. Those persons affected are being given a package which includes an exit cheque for vacation leave, severance, and any other entitlements at the time.
Some categories of workers have already been given a package in line with the enunciated procedures, notably, security guards, who were informed last Friday, October 19, and given the package, including their cheques.
The process for other departmental posts which are being affected will continue today and will be completed by Wednesday, October 24. Some of the agencies in this phase include the Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance and the Post Office Department. With respect to general service posts, the termination process will commence today and is also expected to be completed by Wednesday.
The layoff process is one of the most challenging in any restructuring process. The Government is making every effort to ensure that these public officers are given the necessary support to assist them in going forward. This will include opportunities for retraining to allow them to provide services to Government, including, the digitising of Government records, as was recently announced by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.
It is also anticipated that some of the displaced workers will find employment in the upcoming projects, also indicated by the Prime Minister in her address to the Nation.
Every effort is being made to ensure that there is a smooth process according to established principle of last in, first out, and that these officers who have made a valuable contribution to the public service and Barbados are treated fairly.
