Jersey reduces spending on external workforce by £45m

Spending on consultants, agency staff and temporary workers in Jersey has fallen by nearly £45m over the past three years, according to the Government of Jersey.

A new report shows external workforce costs dropped from £82.8m in 2023 to £38m in 2025. The largest savings came from a £13.3m reduction in consultancy fees and an £18m decrease in spending on agency staff in health and social care.

Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said the figures demonstrated the progress being made to bring public finances under control. He said the reduction was the result of tighter controls, improved workforce planning and a stronger focus on reducing reliance on consultants and agency staff where possible.

Farnham added that the changes were aimed at building a more sustainable public service while continuing to protect essential services for islanders.

The government said consultants and agency staff would still be used when necessary, particularly to maintain key services or provide specialist skills, but their use would now be subject to increased oversight and clearer accountability.

It also said the report formed part of ongoing efforts to improve transparency in government spending and followed broader workforce reforms.