Overview

• Official data for the year to March 2025 show headcount rose by more than 6,000 to 516,150, marking a two-decade peak.
• The Department for Work and Pensions led gains with a net increase of over 2,700 staff in the past year.
• The Ministry of Defence shed nearly 2,000 civil servants in the past year.
• The Cabinet Office has hired 760 staff over the past year despite plans to cut or relocate 2,100 roles over the next two years.
• Three-quarters of civil service posts are now in management or senior grades, driving up the overall pay bill.