Speculation has emerged that a number of public sector HR jobs may be at risk as a result of changes recommended in Alistair Darling's pre-Budget report (PBR).
The chancellor revealed that he plans to increase the use of so-called "shared service centres" to help create £5 billion worth of efficiency savings.
In the PBR, government consultant Martin Read identified "substantial additional savings" from 2010 onwards through greater efficiencies in back office operations, such as HR.
Meanwhile, speaking to Personnel Today, Martin Rayson, lead on HR transformation at the Public Sector People Managers' Association, said there was room for greater use of such shared service centres.
He stated: "HR jobs will change and there will inevitably be a reduction in HR jobs in the public sector."
Recently, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development launched a guide designed to offer practical advice to people with HR jobs concerning workplace training and purchasing coaching services.
