A total of 2,301 civil servants retired from the service today after the retirement age was set at 55 years.
Public Service Commission Chairman Josefa Serulagilagi confirms that out of this, 192 civil servants will now be retained on a one year contract.
However Serulagilagi said this does not include the number of retiring teachers, nurses and doctors who may have to be retained.
Serulagilagi also confirms that the cases of re-engagement for five other Ministries, Finance, National Planning, Tourism, Public Enterprise, Information and Works and Transport are also yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, the PSC Chairman stresses that the retirement process will enable them to proceed with reforms towards a leaner civil service.
He assures the general public that the delivery of government services will in no way be compromised with the large number of civil servants who will retire.
Meanwhile, the Works, Transport and Energy Ministry is now working closely with the PSC to ensure the over 350 positions which will be left vacant today are filled so that there are no disruptions to the delivery of services.
Media Liaison Officer, Sainiana Waqainabete said training of junior officials within the Ministry has been an ongoing practice and with this unexpected directive for retirement from Government, they are confident they will be able to fill in for those who will be retiring.
And the Health Ministry has confirmed that all 15 doctors who were supposed to retire today will be retained by the Health Ministry for their experience.
According to Spokesperson, Iliesa Tora said the PSC has agreed to retain these doctors on a one year contract. He adds some senior nurses may also be retained.
Feature
2301 civil servants retire today
