National
70 percent reduction in public sector job offer in Spain next year
By h.b.
Jun 24, 2008 - 7:35 AM

The Prime Minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, has confirmed that there will be 70% fewer public sector jobs on offer next year compared to this. He admits that he made a mistake when earlier yesterday he spoke of a 30% reduction.

It means a reduction from 35,900 new places to about 10,770, with Zapatero saying that the new jobs would be dedicated to ‘essential public services, including security, justice and work inspectors’.
The reduction of 70% next year follows an 8% increase in public service jobs this year compared to last.

The Prime Minister also confirmed that the Spanish economy is now expected to grow less than 2% this year, and made a call for austerity where possible.

He also confirmed that top salaries in the public sector are to be frozen and announced more credit for Pymes small businesses and for assisted VPO housing worth 35 billion. There will also be credits for the renovation of tourist buildings worth 2,500 million a year. Airport manager AENA is to be partially privatised.