Nigel Farage vows to end the “Whitehall bloat” in a radical shake-up saving taxpayers £5 billion
The Reform UK leader today promises to slash 68,000 civil service jobs to make the government leaner and better-performing if he enters office, reports BritPanorama.
Farage’s proposals are set to reduce the civil service workforce by 13.6%, achieving a reduction in staffing costs of 17.4%. The changes are anticipated to save the Treasury approximately £5.2 billion over a two-year period upon full implementation.
In addition to job cuts, the plan includes significant alterations to the bonus structure for civil servants, with a proposed increase in the pay-related bonus pot to £750 million. This is intended to incentivise high performers within the civil service.
A document outlining the reforms asserts that “not a single penny of public money will be wasted” under this strategy. Farage characterized the initiative as a “radical plan to modernise, streamline and incentivise the civil service,” aiming to enhance the operational effectiveness of those managing essential public services.
The proposals have sparked opposition from various sectors, as the party prepares to confront the unions over these measures. The Public and Commercial Services Union has recently articulated that the public expects a civil service that is efficient and delivers value for money.
Reform UK initially launched a comprehensive review of the civil service in October 2025, noting a 33% increase in staff numbers over the preceding decade, which now totals 540,000. Closing government office buildings in the capital when leases expire could also yield additional savings of £100 million annually.
The restructuring could cause significant shifts within the civil service, with plans to reduce human resources staff by 67%, policy officials by 50%, and communications personnel by 60%. Out of the savings generated, between £500 million and £750 million will be allocated to the revamped civil service bonus pool, aiming to attract and retain top talent.
Moreover, the proposal advocates for a departure from promotions based on tenure, emphasizing merit-based advancement while decreasing the focus on diversity roles.
While the proposed reforms signal a major shift in civil service operations, the implications of these changes will undoubtedly be a focal point of contention moving forward.
This bold initiative reflects a growing trend within British politics towards efficiency and accountability in government, challenging the status quo of public service management.
