Working in HR in the civil service is tougher than ever before, according to the Ministry of Defence's HR director, Jonathan Evans.

Speaking at a seminar organised by Morgan Law, Evans added: "The HR community needs to be ready for tough times ahead and needs to help people get through this."

But he added: "If you think the wrong decisions are being made for the business, then challenge them."

Evans advised HR staff "not to panic", be honest, involve the workforce through communications, treat people with respect and lead from the front.