Ministry of Social Development opens voluntary redundancies, more job losses likely

Thursday, 4 April 2024

In early March, MSD, which employs about 9000 people, turned off the plunger coffee supply.

The Ministry of Social Development has opened up voluntary redundancies, with more job losses likely.

A statement from MSD deputy chief executive of people and capability, Nadine Kilmister said they have told staff today that they will be offering voluntary redundancies to meet cost saving targets.

“While final savings decisions will be made as part of May’s Budget 2024 announcements, like many other agencies, we are now taking the step of looking at how we might reduce our workforce numbers,” Kilmister said.

“After this voluntary redundancy process, it is likely there will be a further process targeting role reductions in some areas, mainly within our National Office in Wellington. We will be able to provide more details on this process to our people in May.”

In early March, MSD, which employs about 9000 people, turned off the plunger coffee supply, estimating a savings of $70,000 a year. Instant coffee, tea and hot chocolate are still provided.

MSD was also considering voluntary redundancies at the time and taking a “careful approach to vacancies”, Kilmister said.