Labour calls for action on ‘bloated’ civil service in Scotland

The SNP must address the “bloated” size of the devolved civil service in Scotland, Scottish Labour said, after figures reached a record high.

Anas Sarwar’s party highlighted statistics showing civil servants working in the devolved public sector reached 27,400 full-time equivalent (FTE) in the first quarter of 2025.

The number employed by “other public bodies”, which are often quangos, stood at 21,500 FTE while the NHS workforce was 161,300 FTE.

The public sector employment data goes back to the early devolution era in 1999, when 14,100 civil servants were recorded.

Earlier this week, Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said the government aimed to make savings of £1 billion over five years through public sector reform, cutting “back office costs” to redirect money to the frontline.

He said the number of public bodies will be reduced to drive a more efficient system alongside a new review of public sector buildings.

Under a different measurement, of the Scottish Government’s directly employed staff, numbers have remained between 8,000 and 9,000 FTE since 2021.

Scottish Labour Finance spokesperson Michael Marra said: “Frontline services are stretched to breaking point and NHS staff numbers are falling amid a deadly crisis – but the SNP is sparing no expense on its own bloated operation.

“Once again, the SNP is putting self-interest over Scotland’s interests.

“This SNP government is desperately out of touch with the priorities of the people of Scotland.

“A Scottish Labour government will prioritise frontline services over government bureaucracy and pointless quangos.”

The Scottish Government said care should be taken when interpreting quarterly changes in workforce sizes, and the Scottish Government’s “core workforce” has come down by 5% since 2022.

A spokesman said: “It is common for there to be seasonal variation in staffing levels in public services, for example as newly qualified nurses enter the workforce each year following graduation.

“Public sector workers have a vital role in the funding, development and delivery of key services ranging from education, health and social care, to transport and safeguarding the natural environment – also providing impartial expert advice to the public, parliament, and ministers.

“They have responded to many significant issues in recent times, such as the pandemic, impacts of the war in Ukraine and the cost of living crisis, while taking on more devolved responsibilities in areas such as social security, equal opportunities, consumer advocacy and advice, and expanded tax powers.”