3,000-plus public sector workers to be hired in 2012

MORE than 3,000 public service workers will be hired next year to replace retiring employees, despite promises to cut the public sector wage bill.

Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin confirmed the figure yesterday while explaining the actual reduction in public sector numbers overall next year would only reach 6,000.

At least 9,000 public sector workers are expected to retire by February next year to avail of pensions that will be awarded at pre-cut levels.