Redeploying public sector workers whose jobs have been axed can 'take some time,' a senior Scottish National Party (SNP) minister has said, following revelations that hundreds of 'ghost workers' have been paid for years despite having no formal role. Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville indicated that while all workers whose roles are abolished should be redeployed into new permanent positions, delays in this process are possible.
The issue has drawn criticism from the Scottish Conservatives, who estimate the annual cost of these 'ghost workers' could fund 584 junior doctors. Reports indicate that at least £27 million annually of taxpayer money is being used to pay staff in the Scottish Government, NHS, councils, and quangos who no longer have a fixed role because their previous position is no longer needed. This situation is facilitated by the SNP's policy of no compulsory redundancies, which prevents these employees from being forced out of their jobs.
In one extreme case, an NHS Highland worker reportedly received a full salary for 17 years without having a specific job role. Somerville addressed the issue on BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast, emphasizing the government's policy of no compulsory redundancies. She stated that public bodies are expected to redeploy staff when structural changes occur, finding other roles for individuals as a matter of fiscal responsibility and for the benefit of the employees themselves.
She added that while redeployment is the expectation, ensuring it happens effectively 'may take some time.' This sentiment comes as The Sunday Times reported on approximately 800 cases of Scottish public sector workers without fixed roles, costing at least £27 million annually. The actual cost could be higher, as some public bodies did not disclose salary information for staff awaiting redeployment.
Further details from reports indicate that 255 workers have been without a fixed job for over a year, with at least 49 in this situation for five years or more. The Scottish Conservatives calculated that the £27.6 million spent on these workers includes £21.8 million from the Scottish Government. Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative public service reform spokesman, criticized the situation as an 'appalling example of the SNP’s total disregard for taxpayers’ money' and called for the immediate ditching of the no compulsory redundancies policy. He suggested that redundancies should be mandatory if alternative roles cannot be found, arguing that taxpayer funds would be better utilized for frontline staff like junior doctors rather than for 'ghost workers.'