Public sector cuts: Stats NZ staff offered voluntary redundancies

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."

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