Public sector employers
What is the public sector?
The public sector includes all government-funded services. The civil service, diplomatic service and the armed services, as well as the organisations that provide the majority of education, social and community services fall within this sector. According to government statistics, six million of the UK’s 29.1 million workers were employed in the public sector in 2010.
The public sector also includes the police, probation, fire services and the National Health Service (NHS), the largest single employer in Europe. On a local level it encompasses public housing, consumer protection and environmental health, roads and traffic management, planning and building control, and the arts, recreation and leisure.
The BBC, the Audit Commission and the National Parks are all a part of the public sector.
Why work in the public sector
The public sector ethos supports professional development and the services it provides can have a significant influence on people’s lives. Changes in legislation or funding, and the time it takes to get things approved can be frustrating; but it does also offer opportunities.
In January 2011, the Civil Service, the NHS and the BBC all featured in the top ten of The Times list of the top 100 graduate employers.
The public sector as a whole faces widespread cost-saving measures, but the sector still offers reasonable job security.
Finding a job in the public sector
Where and how to look for a job in the public sector will depend on what area you wish to go into. In many cases voluntary work may be a good way to gain experience and to decide if an area of work is for you. The following websites focus on vacancies in the public sector:
Government Jobs Direct
Direct links to the jobs and vacancies pages on the websites of many UK government and public sector organisations.
Jobs Go Public
Listings of public sector jobs.
Monster - public sector jobs
Vacancies and careers advice.
National Graduate Development Programme
A two-year local government-based programme providing placement experience. Participants engage in work that is core to the council’s priorities within their local communities.
Opportunities
A public sector recruitment and career development website.
Public Service Careers
Professional jobs in the public sector. Includes good quality advice and information about public service careers.
