25 March 2026
The Government of Jersey has released the Public Sector Staffing Statistics report today, which shows the number of people working in the public service in 2025.
Excluding healthcare and education staff, the statistics show that the Government of Jersey headcount decreased by 181 people (a fall of 5.7%) in 2025 and the Full Time Equivalent, FTE, number reduced by 128 people (a fall of 4.2%) compared with the previous year.
The latest figures show the impact of the Government's ongoing recruitment freeze, which targets back-office functions and prioritises staff recruitment to frontline services.
Once healthcare and education staff are included, the figures show the total public sector workforce increased by 153 (headcount) and 175 (FTE) over the year, primarily in posts such as teachers, nurses, doctors, teaching assistants and other medical roles. A number of people in these departments have been moved to permanent contracts rather than agency employment. This provides staff with greater job security and reduced consultancy costs. It is a more efficient use of public funds.
The figures in the report include staff working for the non-ministerial departments (such as the States Greffe, Law Officers, Judicial Greffe, Bailiff's Office and Lieutenant Governor's Office) as well as the main Government departments.
Among the key points in the Public Sector Staffing Statistics 2025 report are:
- the growth in numbers stems almost entirely from Health and Care Jersey (HCJ) and Children, Young People, Education and Skills (CYPES)
- these additional staff are mainly frontline workers, employed to meet service demands
- the total increase in headcount in 2025 (+153) is considerably lower than growth in previous years (2024:+394; 2023: +457; 2022: +334)
Deputy Malcolm Ferey, vice-chair of the States Employment Board, said: "Since taking office, this Government has reduced the number of civil servants in the centre and has strengthened frontline services by investing in key staff in those areas."
gov.je