RETIREMENT POLICY IMPLEMENTATION ON SCHEDULE

The Permanent Secretary for the Public Service, Mr Parmesh Chand has confirmed that 357 civil servants will be retiring this year.

Based on requirements and skills needs of respective Ministries/Department/Agencies he said flexibility will be maintained to re-engage those beyond the retiring age of 55 years on a case by case basis.

Mr Chand said following the implementation of Retirement Policy last year, these civil servants are those that have reached 55 years of age.

He added with the Retirement policy in place as per provisions of the State Services Decree 09. It is a part of the Civil Service Reforms to contain the size of the civil service and also provide opportunities for younger graduates to join the civil service thus boosting efficiency.

Mr Chand said with civil service reforms ongoing and at the heart of government’s agenda of Building a Better Fiji for all, the retirement policy along with the re-organization of government quarters, the modernization of disciplinary processes and capacity building in the civil service are all aimed at ensuring improved efficiency and productivity of the public sector.

Last year, 2231 employees retired with 292 re-engaged to ensure continuity of service in the respective Ministries and Departments.

MEDIA RELEASE 8

Date:29/01/10