MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
News Release (247/2007) issued by The Government News Network on 23
October 2007
More resources
will be released to the front line by streamlining the MoD's
Head Office to ensure it is as efficient as possible.
The Streamlining programme will simplify the MoD's
organisation and work, ensuring the Ministry is focused on
strategic tasks and better able to respond to priorities. Other
parts of defence have undergone similar reforms.
At least £50 million of ongoing savings which can be reinvested
in operations will be released per year by reducing the Head
Office staff by 25 per cent. This means the loss of around 1,000
civilian jobs and 300 military posts. The scale of reductions in
military posts will not require redundancies.
Defence Secretary Des Browne said:
"This package of measures will radically change the way the
MoD works. It will make the department more agile and better able
to respond to the needs of those on operations. Operations are
rightly where the focus of the MoD should be.
"Ministers, Chiefs of Staff and our most senior officials
will lead this process by example and with greater direct
accountability for areas and budgets."
Notes to editors:
1. This programme will be implemented over two to three years.
2. The 300 Service posts to be cut from Head Office will release
funds, which can then be allocated to other priorities in Defence.
Service personnel made 'surplus' from Head Office will
be available to fill gaps elsewhere across Defence such as on operations.
3. These proposals will be subject to formal consultation with
the Trades Unions commencing 23 October 2007.