Public sector workers face private sector struggle

An expert has warned that public sector workers trained in a specific field are likely to find it more difficult than those with generic skills to find new employment in the private sector.

Institute for Employment Studies HR research and consultancy director Peter Reilly claimed some public sector roles simply have no relevance to private companies and added that candidates with private sector experience could have an advantage.

"There are a number of roles that just don't have an analogue in the private sector," he explained. "Even for those people who have got generic skills, they are going to have to compete against people who have a better track record."

Mr Reilly suggested public sector HR and finance employees are among those who are likely to have transferable skills which will stand them in good stead when it comes to getting back into work.

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His comments came after the Work Foundation pointed out that the private sector rebound may not be strong enough to absorb the thousands of public workers set to be made redundant due to government spending cuts.

Posted by Cameron Thomson