After Donald Trump, UK’s Keir Starmer to lay off 50,000 civil service jobs

UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and chancellor Rachel Reeves are preparing to cut the size of the state as they plan to reduce about 50,000 civil service jobs by 2030, according to reports.

UK Civil Service Faces 10% Cut by 2030

The plan to cut 10% of roles by 2030 is part of Reeves’ upcoming spending review, as per Daily Mail report. At present there are about 515,000 full-time employees in the civil service, which has increased from around 380,000 in June 2016, according to the report.

Target: 450,000 Civil Servants

An official familiar with the matter told Financial Times, "I wouldn't be surprised if the number comes down to 450,000 by 2030," quoted Daily Mail.


The Chancellor is expected to deliver her review of Whitehall departmental spending on 11 June, and ministers are now engaged in last-minute talks over their budgets up to 2029, reported the Daily Mail.

According to Daily Mail, Sir Keir recently revealed his plan to reform what he called an "overcautious and flabby" state.

ALSO READ: Paramount’s blockbuster settlement bid: Millions offered to Trump to quash $20 billion suit and clear Skydance merger

Rachel Reeves' Plan

Previously in March, Reeves used her spring statement to set out how she plans to cut government running costs by 15% until 2030, as per the report. In her plan to reduce Whitehall administrative costs, she aims to save on back-office functions like HR, financial and procurement management, policy advice, communications and office management, according to Daily Mail.

Government Remains Quiet Before Review

A government spokesperson told Daily Mail, "We don't comment on speculation ahead of the spending review. More broadly, we have already announced a target of reducing departmental administration costs by 15 per cent over the next five years, delivering savings of over £2billion a year by 2030 and targeting spending on front line services," as quoted in the report.

FAQs

How many jobs could be lost?
Up to 50,000 civil service roles could be eliminated by 2030, as per Daily Mail.

What kind of savings are expected?
The plan targets £2 billion in annual savings by 2030, as per Daily Mail.