I have previously put on my firm's ezine about how organisations within the public sector can maintain high morale in a difficult work environment.
Within this context, I read with some dismay the latest leak dealing with projected Defence cuts with Secretary Liam Fox having the prime minister that "draconian" spending cuts while the UK is at war would result in "grave consequences".
In a private letter to David Cameron, leaked to the Daily Telegraph, he said he would refuse to back any substantial cuts to the armed forces.
Dr Fox said cuts would risk seriously damaging the morale of troops and the reputation of the Conservative Party.
In the letter to Mr Cameron leaked to the Daily Telegraph he said: "Party, media, military and the international reaction will be brutal if we do not recognise the dangers and continue to push for such draconian cuts at a time when we are at war."
He also expressed concern about the potentially "serious damage" that cutbacks could do to morale in the Armed Forces.
There are a number of key implications within the letter.
1 The first key observation is that the focus in dealing with cuts has to have primary focus on the survivors. These are your most important as they are your long term people; They are also the people who can be the most resentful about the lay-offs.
2. Liam Fox is now boxed into a corner. He has issued a threat to resign. He could end up being a martyr which is not necessarily condusive to political success.
3. The leaking, the media interest and political points scoring all had to the mix. It is not too far away from communicating a message that the effective employers and stakeholders and have lost confidence in the Defence sector. Everyone loses.
4. All is not lost. It falls on the shoulders of HR departments and Management to show integrity, take a robust line in dealing with this. However, it is extremely difficult.
Justin Patten, Trainer