Subj : Public sector cuts: Stats NZ staff offered voluntary redundancies
To   : All
From : News
Date : Thu May 02 2024 12:41 pm

Stats NZ faces massive change with staff given the option of voluntary
redundancy amid widespread job cuts in the public sector.


The PSA union announced the news this morning, expressing concern the move
would "impact on the agency's ability to deliver on its core functions" and
noting a restructure in December saw 29 jobs go at the agency.


"The PSA is supportive of staff having the option of taking voluntary
redundancy where it meets their needs," said PSA assistant secretary Fleur
Fitzsimons.


"However, we remain concerned that the constant rounds of cuts required by
the Government to pay for tax relief for landlords will impact the ability of
Stats NZ to deliver the quality collection and analysis of data that
businesses and communities depend on.


"The information Stats NZ produces is vital to supporting businesses. How can
we build and grow a modern economy when the Government is cutting funding to
gathering and analysing the data businesses need to make smarter decisions?"


The union is also concerned about the move's impact on the workload on other
remaining staff.

In a statement, Stats NZ chief executive Mark Sowden said "the way Aotearoa
New Zealand uses data is changing".


"People want more and new data that is relevant to their daily lives, and
they want it faster," he said.


"To deliver on this, Stats NZ has recognised we need to do things
differently."


Sowden said the decision to offer staff the option of applying for voluntary
redundancy came after requests from some Stats NZ staff - and from the PSA.

"The aim we have is to provide kaimahi with a potential option for those who
want certainty ahead of formal change processes - our employees are free to
apply or not.


"As you can appreciate, change of any kind can be difficult and unsettling
for people and we appreciate the professionalism and dedication our team
shows."

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A44 2020/02/04 (Windows/64)
 * Origin: S.W.A.T.S BBS Telnet swatsbbs.ddns.net:2323 (63:10/102)

.