HM Government of Gibraltar wishes to make clear that reforms to overtime practices within the public service were already being implemented before the publication of the report by the former Principal Auditor.

On the 29th of April 2025, the Chief Secretary issued Circular No. 09 of 2025, which set out a revised and much stricter approval process for all overtime. This policy was introduced to strengthen control and ensure overtime is used only when strictly necessary.

Key features of the new system include:

• Overtime must be explicitly approved in advance.

• Requests must be submitted using a formal Microsoft form at least five working days before the overtime is due to be worked.

• Each request is assessed by a central team which includes representatives from both the Chief Secretary’s Office and the Financial Secretary’s Office.

• Emergency authorisations are permitted but must be reported with justification within 48 hours.

• Retrospective claims for overtime are not permitted under any circumstances.

• Officers earning more than £79,837 per year are no longer eligible for overtime or time off in lieu, in line with existing HR policy.

These measures form part of a wider programme of reform aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening financial discipline across the public sector, which built on other actions already implemented in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These measures were already in place before the Auditor's report was published, and were designed to address some of the very issues now being raised. It is therefore regrettable that the report failed to acknowledge the reforms already underway and the direction of travel already set by the administration.

The Government remains committed to responsible oversight of public resources and will continue to strengthen practices in order to deliver effective public services.

ENDS