How long will the investment in public sector comms continue?

Let’s face it; life in the private sector is pretty tough. If you happen to work for a PR agency at the moment it’s probably a case of head down, make the boss their morning cup of coffee and look busy! Speaking to a couple of friends who have recently either been made redundant from PR consultancies, or left of their own accord, they have successfully targeted the public sector as an area of secure employment. (And frankly the working hours compared to agency life mean a better work/life balance.) That said, the 64 thousand dollar question (I think she probably earns a bit less than this) is how much longer will this public sector boom continue? All three political parties are pretty clear that the huge investment in public services that we have seen since the turn of the century is unsustainable in these troubled times. In addition, the Government has basically shot its bolt as far as the country’s finances are concerned. This all leaves us in the unfortunate situation where there isn’t any more money! As a result cuts in public sector spending are as good as certain and I’m sorry to say, but when it comes to a choice between doctors and nurses or PROs, well from a political and practical viewpoint it isn’t much of a choice. And that’s just for the in house PR people; if you’re an agency doing a lot of work for the public sector then times look even tougher. So what’s my point? Well I guess if you work in the public sector, be aware of the broader picture and make sure you plan your career as effectively as possible. And on the basis that all things are relative, it seems likely that in 12 months time the private sector might be the place to be.