01 May 2018

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to make job creation, through both the public and privates sector, as its number one priority.

In this context, it may be noted that Government has created and additional 7 500 plus public service positions for the 2018/19 financial year in order to better address critical needs.

The majority of these positions have been in the education sector, where staff shortages have resulted in gaps in delivery as well as excessive overtime costs.

Further to the above, and in light of some misconceptions appearing in the media, it should be noted that creation of the new positions will continue to go hand in hand with Government’s decision to reinstate the overtime budget for the 2018/19 financial year.  

To ensure sustainability and fiscal prudence, it may be further noted that Ministries and Department have been advised to strictly adhere to the 2014 DPSM Circular Savingram on the “Management of overtime payments for non-commuted employees.”  

In this regard, DPSM has been instructed to strictly monitor Ministries’ performance on the management of overtime and prepare quarterly reports to Cabinet on the basis of Ministerial submissions.

While Government will continue to play its part by ensuring that vacancies are filled in the public service, it remains more broadly committed to serving as an enabler of private sector growth through programmes such as the Economic Diversification Drive and Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP).  

This is in recognition of the fact that Private Sector growth remains the key component to sustainable, diversified jobs creation.

Finally, I take this opportunity to note with concern a growing social media trend to post false and/or out of date vacancies online.

Genuine Government vacancies will continue to be officially advertised, with online announcements appearing on Government’s official facebook page - BWgovernment.

Carter N. Morupisi
PERMANENT SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT
AND SECRETARY TO CABINET