This survey from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development reveals how public sector organizations are responding to the budget cuts.

59 per cent of public organizations are cutting staffing levels this year compared to 51 per cent in the private sector.

51 per cent of public organizations are planning to implement a recruitment freeze and 68 per cent are planning to reduce the number of recruits they hire. The comparable figures for the private sector are 16 and 32 per cent.

The report notes that budget constraints in the public and private sectors mean that HR departments have to think creatively. By developing internal talent in this way employees can benefit from increased opportunities, development and progression and the employer can fulfil the skills requirement for the job.

The survey report is available from CIPD. www.cipd.co.uk