Jersey cuts external workforce spending by £45m

Spending on consultants, agency staff and temporary workers in Jersey has been cut by almost £45m in three years, the Government of Jersey has said.

A report found external workforce costs had fallen from £82.8m in 2023 to £38m in 2025.

The biggest reductions include a drop in consultancy spending by £13.3m and a fall in health and social care agency staff spending by £18m.

Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said the report showed "the progress we are making" as part of efforts to bring public finances under control.

Farnham said the reduction reflected "tighter controls, better workforce planning, and a real focus on reducing our reliance on consultants and agency staff where we can".

"This is about building a stronger and more sustainable public service, while making sure we continue to protect the services islanders rely on every day," he added.

The government said: "While consultants and agency staff continue to be used where necessary, particularly to maintain essential services or provide specialist expertise, their use is now subject to stronger oversight and clearer accountability."

It added the report would form part of ongoing efforts to improve transparency around government spending and follows wider workforce reforms.

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.