In an ongoing assessment, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scrutinising Cyprus’ public wage bill to propose optimisations aimed at fiscal sustainability. A delegation from the IMF is currently in Cyprus, engaging with key ministries including Finance, Health, Education, and Justice, as well as statistical and fiscal authorities. This review seeks comprehensive data on public sector employment, salary scales, and historical wage adjustments, including the Automatic Indexation of Wages (ATA).

The IMF’s focus includes the financial impact of restoring salaries and allowances cut during the economic adjustment period and evaluating the number of public sector employees. Preliminary indications suggest recommendations may involve a gradual reduction in public sector personnel and a tiered approach to wage adjustments based on productivity, although measuring productivity in the public sector presents challenges.

This initiative follows a broader context where the IMF has consistently advocated for aligning wages with productivity to ensure economic efficiency. The outcome of this assessment will be critical for Cyprus as it navigates its fiscal policies and public sector management.

As Cyprus anticipates the IMF’s recommendations, the government is concurrently addressing workforce needs, evidenced by a recent request to unfreeze 1,311 public sector positions. This balance between maintaining public sector efficiency and ensuring fiscal prudence underscores the complexity of public wage management.

The IMF’s final report will likely shape future policy directions, aiming to enhance the sustainability of Cyprus’ public finances while addressing the intricacies of public sector employment and compensation.