States staff count falls after recruitment freeze

Government workforce numbers in Jersey have fallen by 181 in non-frontline roles as a recruitment freeze on back-office positions remains in place.

Officials said the reduction, bringing staffing levels to 8,908 excluding healthcare and education workers, reflected efforts to prioritise hiring in frontline services.

Despite the drop in back-office roles, overall government staffing increased by 153 when healthcare and education employees were included. Authorities said part of this rise was due to agency staff being offered permanent contracts to help reduce spending on consultants.

According to government figures, the overall increase in headcount last year was significantly smaller than previous years, with staffing growing by 394 in 2024 and 457 in 2023. Between 2022 and 2024, total staff numbers rose by 1,185.

Deputy Malcolm Ferey, vice-chair of the States Employment Board, said investment had been focused on strengthening frontline services through targeted recruitment.

A hiring freeze for non-essential senior positions was first introduced in August 2024 and later extended. In December 2025, the restrictions were widened to cover all non-essential roles.