I refer to earlier advice regarding the operation of the moratorium on recruitment by public agencies.

As Ministers have now been informed of global budget allocations for agencies within their portfolios, the moratorium on recruitment for positions up to public service Grade 12 (A&C), or equivalent, has been lifted from the date of this Circular.

Chief Executives, and relevant delegates, may now approve the advertising and filling of vacancies under usual arrangements, however, the test of essentiality that applied when seeking the approval of Ministers to recruitment during the moratorium should continue to be observed and, in the case of budget sector agencies, the cost of recruitment must be met within the agency's global budget. Agencies involved in reviews with the Office of the Council on the Cost of Government should take particular care to ensure that any recruitment action is consistent with the direction of such reviews.

The lifting of the moratorium on these positions is on the basis that agencies will co-operate fully with the Workforce Management Centre (WMC) in the re-deployment of displaced employees. Chief Executives are requested to personally review selection recommendations in situations where the WMC supports the appointment of a displaced employee to a vacancy, but this is not accepted by the agency's selection committee.

The moratorium continues to apply in relation to positions at and above public service Grade 12 (A&C), or equivalent, including SES positions and those equivalent to SES and other senior positions. Vacancies at these levels are not to be advertised or tilted without the prior approval of the Minister responsible for the agency, and, after the Minister's approval has been obtained, approval by the Commissioner, Public Employment Office. This continuing moratorium applies to all public service agencies, statutory bodies outside the public service and State Owned Corporations.

KEN CRIPPS
Commissioner

Dear Mr Wyn Owen

I refer to your letter of 6 November 1995, seeking exemption from the recruitment moratorium for the position of Manager, Environmental Health, Clerk Grade 11/12, and Manager, Food and Nutrition, Clerk Grade 11/12, Environmental Health, Food and Nutrition Branch, Public Health Division.

Thank you for advising the Minister's approval to fill this position. Providing that the Workforce Management Centre is consulted, and has no suitable applicant registered on their lists of displaced employees, recruitment: can proceed for appointment, following advertisement in the Public Service Notices and the press.

This advice has also been forwarded to the Workforce Management Centre.

Any enquiries should be directed to Alexander Weilsmann on 228 4740.

Your sincerely

KENCRIPPS
Commissioner