Civil service grading - Simply unbelievable

Sadly, once again the great chasm between the public and private sectors has been underlined by the news that performance assessments in the civil service were more a rubber-stamping exercise than a properly conducted performance assessment.

By awarding the highest two grades to 65% of civil servants — five points out of five means outstanding, four points exceeds the required standard — management has created a situation that is utterly implausible. That impression is strengthened by the fact that just 1% were given either of the two lowest grades.

Thankfully, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform accepts that current arrangements are not working and must be replaced.