The third Isle of Man Public Service Workforce Report highlights a decrease in the overall Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) numbers within the public service workforce.
For the period April to June 2025 the total number of Full Time Equivalent Employees reduced from 7,842.3 to 7,810.46, an overall decrease of 31.84 FTE (0.41%). This is the first quarterly reduction in FTE across the whole public service since June 2023.
The change reflects normal shifts in workforce levels that occur in any large organisation as people move roles, join or leave, and essential positions are filled or adjusted to meet evolving needs.
This latest report highlights the government’s ongoing work to keep workforce levels responsive, efficient, and aligned with core service delivery needs as well as fulfilling a commitment to increased scrutiny, transparency and reporting on the size of the public sector workforce.
During the quarter the number of both civilian and warranted officers in the Isle of Man Constabulary increased along with more frontline staff in Manx Care. This growth in essential frontline roles has been offset by a reduction in support staff within Manx Care, showing a focused effort to prioritise direct service delivery.
Overall, while the FTE staff numbers for the public service have reduced, the targeted changes show the government’s continued investment in strengthening frontline services to meet public needs effectively.
Key changes in the quarter to 30th June 2025
Departments excluding Manx Care
- Overall, the total FTE workforce across all core departments decreased by 24.01 FTE, moving from 4,407.04 to 4,383.03 FTE (-0.54%).
- FTE reductions in four of the eight departments reflecting a measured and proactive approach to workforce management.
- Larger operational areas such as the Departments of Infrastructure (-17.92 FTE) and Education, Sport and Culture (-5.73 FTE) contributed most significantly to the overall net reduction.
- The Treasury reduced by 4.51 FTE, and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture by 3.58 FTE.
- In the Department of Home Affairs there were additions to the Isle of Man Constabulary of temporary and permanent civilian and warranted officers.
Manx Care
- A decrease of 1.65 FTE this quarter reflects ongoing efforts to carefully manage resources, indicating a stable workforce position with only a slight shift in staffing levels.
- Overall FTE in Manx Care decreased from 3,015.74 to 3,014.09. While modest, this is the first quarterly reduction in FTE for Manx Care since September 2022.
