The attempt to achieve £20bn of efficiency savings in the public sector using technology is causing “sleepless nights” for senior officials, according to a new report.
The Work Foundation report, which questioned 500 public sector workers, says there is “scepticism” and “uncertainty” among public servants about the Gershon Review efficiency drive.
Only one-third of officials (34%) agree that IT should be an integral part of changes made to an organisation, and 38% say there is “no long-term benefit” from investment in IT.
The report says most front-line public servants are unsure of what “efficiency” actually means, and all levels of government are struggling to realise the potential of IT to meet the targets set by the Gershon Review.
