Libya's Audit Office has warned of a significant increase in the country's payroll costs, with the number of public sector employees reaching 2.56 million, accounting for 85% of the workforce. The office's chairman, Khalid Shikshak, has called for a unified salary scale for public sector employees to ensure social justice and equal opportunities. In a letter to Prime Minister Abdul Hamid al-Dbeiba, Shikshak highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the current salary structure.
According to the Audit Office's analysis of public expenditure over the past five years, payroll costs have risen by over 39.9 billion Libyan dinars. The office attributes this increase to a range of factors, including the expansion of public sector employment and the granting of allowances to certain groups without clear criteria. Shikshak warned that if left unchecked, these trends could have serious implications for the country's finances.
The Audit Office's report also notes that the proportion of public sector employees to the total population has reached 30%, exceeding global averages. The office argues that this has resulted in a significant burden on the state's finances and is unsustainable in the long term. To address this issue, Shikshak has recommended the introduction of a unified salary scale that takes into account the needs of different sectors and ensures equal pay for equal work.
The proposed salary scale is intended to reduce disparities in pay and benefits between different public sector employees. The Audit Office also recommends the introduction of professional and technical criteria to prevent arbitrary increases in public sector employment and payroll costs. These measures are aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in public sector employment.
The issue of public sector employment and payroll costs is a pressing concern in Libya, where the government faces significant challenges in providing services to its citizens. The Audit Office's report highlights the need for urgent action to address these issues and ensure that public sector employment is sustainable and equitable.
Prime Minister al-Dbeiba has yet to comment on the Audit Office's recommendations. However, the issue is likely to be high on the agenda for future discussions between the government and the Audit Office. The unified salary scale is seen as a key step towards promoting social justice and equal opportunities in Libya.
The Libyan government faces significant challenges in managing its public finances, including a heavy reliance on oil revenues and a large public sector. The Audit Office's report highlights the need for careful management of public finances to ensure that the country's resources are used efficiently and effectively.
Key points
- Libya's Audit Office warns of rising payroll costs, urges unified salary scale for public sector employees
- The office recommends introducing professional and technical criteria to prevent arbitrary increases in public sector employment and payroll costs
- The proposed salary scale aims to reduce disparities in pay and benefits between different public sector employees
