Chamber of Commerce calls for sustainable public sector jobs

'Unjustified employment with the government should be discouraged' - Chamber of Commerce

In a press statement, the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry called for a sustainable approach to recruitment in the public sector.

Acknowledging the importance of employing new blood in the public sector - to help inject new ideas and management practices - the Chamber also recommended a manpower survey.

"In recommendation 49 of the Economic Vision for Malta 2014-2020, the Malta Chamber suggests Government should carry out a manpower survey and gap analysis so as to take stock of the exact manpower skills available in the public service," the statement reads.

"This will enable Government to deploy its present and future resources more efficiently into productive activities and will also assist in recruitment decisions for the public services."

The Chamber also stated that it was aware of the importance of ensuring enough resources to fulfil the roles, for which the public sector is responsible, especially in cases where certain vital departments operate with a capacity deficit.

However, it called for a careful balance against the impact on public finances and in turn, the effect on national competitiveness through the added tax burden generated, and discouraged public sector employment for unjustified reasons.