UDOVICKI: IMF is asking headcount number cut of 5%

Kori Udovicki (Photo: mc.rs)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is asking Serbia that in the next year, it decreases headcount number by 5% in governmental administration, the vice president of the Government and the minister for governmental administration and local self-governance, Kori Udovicki.

- Negotiations with IMF on headcount number cut by 5% in 2015 have been in progress. We hope to solve this issue with the natural fluctuation but we might also face the fact we will have to fire 25.000 people - Udovicki said for Blic and added it does not refer to the employees in public companies.

She mentions that by the end of year due to changes at the Law on retired and disabled insurance, larger number of people is expected to retire.

- The percentage could double from current two or two and a half percent to 3,9 %. If it happens, we fulfilled the headcount number cut. But, if not, there is a fear we might have to lay off some 25.000 people. In that case, the government will prepare social or prequalification program – Udovicki explains.

She adds that data in the employee registry must be completed so that they would provide fair treatment and savings where possible.