Politically motivated attacks on civil servants are damaging government - 2 June 2006

The recent mauling of civil servants in the media is an ill-disguised attempt by some politicians and commentators to shift responsibility for struggling policies from ministers to their staff, according to FDA general secretary Jonathan Baume.

Speaking in advance of his appearance this Sunday 4 June on GMTV, the leader of the top public servants' union said the recent bandwagon of criticism is "unfair, divisive and damaging to the work of every government department".

"Ministers are accountable to Parliament and the public for the work of their departments. Civil servants have always been accountable for their direct actions. Some have suggested that civil servants are not accountable. That is absolute nonsense, as the FDA can attest. If a civil servant gets it wrong, their department takes action under fair processes in private, not in the public glare. This is no different to any other employer."

Baume believes that whilst some criticism is justified, the timing of many of the recent attacks on civil servants is driven by politics, not performance.

"The Labour Government is in some difficulty as poll ratings fall and the Conservative Party is revitalised. Some recent criticism of the civil service looks like an ill-disguised attempt by some politicians and commentators to make excuses, and shift responsibility for struggling policies from ministers to the staff who serve them.

"These tactics are especially cowardly, because civil servants are not allowed to fight back. But they have had enough of being unfairly maligned, and they are saying that the criticism is unfair, divisive and damaging to the work of every government department.

"Ministers and civil servants have to work together as a team in every department to implement manifesto commitments and make a difference in local communities. The civil service must take it on the chin when it fails, and some criticism is justified. Nor should we shy away from debate on difficult issues. But creating scapegoats when a wider problem emerges is no solution. It only erodes credibility of the workings of government and destroys morale.

"Some sensible commentators have rightly seen the attacks for what they are, but departments need to do more to stand up for their own staff.

"We must learn from recent problems, and the Government should focus on making sound and consistent policy, working towards clear goals agreed across government, and letting professionals and managers get on with the job with the minimum of targets needed to ensure effective monitoring."

Notes for Editors
1. The FDA is the trade union and professional body representing 16,000 of the UK's senior civil and public servants. Our members include policy advisors, senior managers, tax inspectors, economists, statisticians, accountants, special advisers, government lawyers, diplomats, crown prosecutors and NHS managers.
2. The FDA (formerly First Division Association) should be referred to simply as "The FDA" and can be described as "the senior public servants' union".
3. For further information contact: