Is the shrinking of the public sector and refocus on the private sector overall good for NI?

David Bloch, MD of the Brightwater Group comments:

I am surprised and delighted by the result of this poll and can’t help but agree with the Yes vote.

The great thing about the Public Sector is the stability it brings.  However, the fact is, we live in a very competitive, generally capitalist world and there is no escaping the fight. On a national and international level there are winners and losers and the Public Sector neither wins or loses.  It is not profit-making and it is not as respected in the outside world for that reason (barring a few areas like teachers and nurses)… I didn’t make the rules!

There is another point and this is crucial.  Northern Ireland was given so much public sector work because the UK felt the region needed extra support and this was a way of keeping it stable and in check.  Right or wrong, the Public Sector is a legacy of worse times and even before the new Tory Government’s plans to reduce the Public Sector, Peter Robinson had launched his 20 year plan to change the face of NI from Public to Private Sector led.  That was because Peter recognized that in the modern world, if you’re not going forwards, you’re going backwards… and the Public Sector is not about going forward.

The only way for the new Private Sector drive to succeed (and it has started well) is for NI to attract new Private business, but more, for the people of NI to show that they are hungry to embrace the reality.  That new reality is tough, demanding and unforgiving.  It is also rewarding and fulfilling.   No longer can you expect a job for life, no longer can you have bad weeks, no longer can you expect to show up for a job, an interview or a meeting with bad dress, manners, spelling or attitude.  No doubt it’s tough, but the rewards are financial and emotional.  Indeed it has been shown that people whose careers are pressured live longer and healthier lives than those without!  Surprised?  Yes, there is work-place stress, and stress is bad and unhealthy… as is boredom!  Pressure is good and healthy and brings out the best in you.

Anywhichway, the reality is that the Public Sector is shrinking and Private Sector growing.  Over the last year I have seen Accountancy firms (Deloitte) develop their NI hub, Legal firms (Allen & Overy and Herbert Smith) move back office hubs here – Pharmaceutical, Technology, Service, Banking all developing operations in Northern Ireland.  One way or another, it is happening and I’m delighted to see that 61% of people are embracing the change.

This month's poll;