40517 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

Written Question

Published date: 24 Sep 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	40517 (2026)
Question asked:	10 Sep 2026
Member asking:	Hon Willow-Jean Prime
Portfolio:	Minister for Social Development and Employment
Minister replying:	Hon Louise Upston
Answer received:	20 Sep 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_40517_2026
Document guid:	6d004ec2-07e7-44b3-98fe-e9fe5641f019

40517 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Has there been a reduction in the amount of Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) directly employed by the Ministry of Social Development and Employment since November 23rd 2023; if so, where have these reductions been made, by internal department or team?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) that as at 23 November 2023 the Ministry of Social Development had 9,502.9 FTE (permanent and fixed term), compared to 9,360.4 FTE (permanent and fixed term) as at 9 September 2026. This is a reduction of 142.5 FTE or 1.5 percent. The Ministry is a large organisation, and FTE numbers fluctuate over time due to the lag between attrition and recruitment as well as, changes in funding, and organisational change.