Modernisation or casualisation? Numerical flexibility in public services

‘Flexibility’ is a key feature of the government's modernisation agenda. The government does not define the kind of flexibility it aims to promote in its modernisation agenda; but data indicates that numerical flexibility, in the form of temporary work, is already a characteristic of public-sector employment, particularly in local government. This paper reports on research data that highlights the way numerical flexibility undermines other key aspects of public-service delivery and the modernisation agenda, such as equal opportunities and recruitment and retention. It argues that the poorer terms and conditions of temporary workers provide additional support for trade union claims of the existence of a ‘two-tier workforce’ in local government.