Beyond all of the recent headlines in the public sector, it is worth both government and trade unions thinking about some hard facts.
Public sector productivity growth is behind behind productivity growth in the private sector. In short, we are paying a lot more but the extra money is buying less.
Efficiency varies widely between providers. The public sector is not one monolith. Performance varies.
Performance management has in most cases been undermined by its lack of connection from financial management, which remains poor in many parts of the public sector
One clear solution will be more a connect between money and results, but that is more a case of the public sector finding its soul.
Mediation can play a pivotal role as this has been shown to reduce disputes, lower Tribunal costs and improve productivity. The key is integrating mediation as part of a successful employment change programme. It is not a case of mediation being some panacea but rather part of an enlightened change management programme.
Justin Patten, Employment Mediator