ERM Annual report 2014: Restructuring in the public sector

In the immediate aftermath of the recession in 2008, employment in the public sector continued to grow, helping to sustain demand in the European economy. However, by 2010, significant restructuring was underway in the public sector in several Member States. In contrast to restructuring in the private sector, public sector restructuring affects much of the population, and so generates a great deal of political interest and some controversy. It is also particularly complicated, and often problematic – not least on account of the numbers of people involved, the tradition of strong employment protection and high levels of trade union representation