The report from recruiters Badenoch & Clark, six months on from the Public Spending Review, found that a third (33%) of HR professionals admit that managing widespread under-resourcing is their key challenge. Over three-quarters (88%) of HR professionals said morale was either 'average' or 'poor'.
Levels of uncertainty remain high, with a third (33%) expecting sweeping job cuts in their department and a further fifth (21%) stating they remain uncertain as to what the future holds. More than two-fifths (42%) of HR respondents also claimed that they work much harder in the wake of the Spending Review.
HR professionals in the public sector are hoping the chancellor, George Osborne, will revise his priorities in next week's budget, with 94% saying they would like to see the Government address the growing employment issues in the UK. When asked how issues with morale were being addressed in their department, more than half (52%) said effective internal communication was key to maintaining strong staff morale.
This was followed by team-building exercises (24%) and training and development opportunities (18%).
Duncan Ward, operations director at Badenoch & Clark, said: "This research paints a glum picture of life in the public sector at present. Morale is low, as workers are asked to work harder while having little job security.
"Those departments that have already seen cuts are feeling the strain and those still awaiting the impact of the Spending Review are left in limbo. With a growing consensus that the forthcoming budget will bring further cuts, a respite for the public sector looks unlikely. "Those in public sector management positions must now work to offer assurances to their teams, where possible. Open communication with employees, alongside setting out a firm plan for the future, will assist in increasing morale. Having clear training and development plans will also ensure people feel valued and more confident about the future."
