JOB CUTS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE

Early day motion 907, tabled 24 March 2004 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 31 members.

That this House welcomes the Chancellor's renewed commitment to public services in the Budget, but is extremely concerned at the announcement of the cut of over 40,000 civil servants' jobs; notes that civil servants provide key services to the public in every constituency in the country, from paying pensions and helping people find work to preventing drug smuggling and inspecting schools; believes that any significant reduction in the essential backroom office staff will critically undermine the frontline services they support; and therefore urges the Chancellor seriously to reconsider these cuts.

Signatures by party: Labour 27, Labour/Co-operative 3, Liberal Democrat 1.