Jersey Government Extends Non-Essential Recruitment Freeze Into 2027

Jersey’s government has extended its freeze on recruiting non-essential staff until 2027 as it continues efforts to reduce the size of the public service.

The policy means government departments will not recruit to non-frontline positions, while essential services such as healthcare and education will continue to be staffed.

The recruitment restrictions were introduced as part of a wider drive to reduce the number of civil servants. In 2024, Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham announced plans to curb workforce growth following a significant increase in government staffing between 2020 and 2025.

Government figures show there were 8,945 employees in June 2026, representing a 4.7% reduction compared with the previous year.

Officials said the fall in numbers demonstrated a continued focus on protecting frontline services while maintaining tighter controls over recruitment.

The original recruitment freeze began in August 2024 and initially applied to non-essential senior positions. It was widened in April 2025 to cover all non-essential roles.

The government has also been exploring how technology could change the way public services are delivered. Last week, Senator Farnham said artificial intelligence could help improve services without putting existing jobs at risk.

Deputy Malcolm Ferey, vice-chair of the States Employment Board, said the reduction in staffing showed the government was meeting its commitment to limit growth in the public sector.

He said the approach would allow the government to maintain essential healthcare, education and other services relied upon by islanders while keeping tighter control over recruitment.