Public sector morale holds up, despite cuts

Despite cuts to services, jobs and pensions, most public sector staff staff still enjoy their jobs and are supportive of their senior managers as they drive through major change in public services. The surprising result from a recent survey of 1,000 public sector staff comes against a backdrop of renewed opposition to government pension proposals. Last week, unions representing more than 700,000 public sector workers, including civil servants, firefighters and teachers, warned that there could be more strikes over the government's plan to raise pension contributions, lower pension and raise retirement ages. But the survey, carried out just before last November's day of union action over pensions and pay, contradicts the perception of a disgruntled public sector workforce. The survey found that 75% of public sector staff still find their job satisfying, while two-thirds positively support their senior managers - and of those, one in three now trust their managers more than before cutbacks began. Almost half of all public sector workers (42%) would recommend their organisation to others. But there are some marked regional differences, with staff in London the happiest. The least contented staff were in the north east of England, with only 23% satisfied. The survey was carried out by recruitment company TMP Worldwide, which said the survey findings were "quite a surprise" and a contrast with anecdotal impressions of the sector. "It seems that for millions of people, doing a job providing essential services for the public is still immensely valued and rewarding," said Robert Peasnell, of TMP.