WIREDGOV

Ministers have met with leaders from across public services and trade unions in Wales to discuss a common approach to managing workforce issues caused by the tough financial climate currently being experienced by the public sector.

The meeting, hosted by First Minister Carwyn Jones, Minister for Local Government and Government Business Lesley Griffiths and Health Minister Mark Drakeford, was attended by key public sector stakeholders, including representatives from the WLGA, Wales TUC and the health sector.

The First Minister said:

"As all of us working in the public sector in Wales are aware, the funding settlement handed down from Westminster is highly challenging. As we deal with the issues caused by this tough financial climate, it is vital that we find common ground in our approach.

"Here in Wales, we recognise that the public service workforce is our greatest public service asset. This is why it is important that representatives from key bodies come together to discuss how we can work together to mitigate the effects on our workforce and ensure they have the support and security they need to get on with the job of delivering crucial front line services."

The Welsh Government has taken a number of steps to ensure public services in Wales are more effective, efficient and citizen-centred, capitalising on the commitment and dedication of our public service workforce.

The Minister for Local Government said:

 "We are lucky to have incredibly committed frontline staff in our Public Services who deliver a wide variety of services from roads and rubbish, libraries and leisure centres to education, health and social care.

"We all know difficult financial times are ahead and we need imaginative and ground-breaking ways to improve services as well as making financial savings. Supporting the workforce through these changes is vitally important so bringing stakeholders together to share their knowledge, expertise and ideas in this area is a very valuable exercise."