Sweeping job cuts in the public sector will create opportunites, HR recruiters have claimed.

A survey from KPMG/Total Politics shows that 57% of council chief executives say that major head count reductions are “very likely”.

Mike Henry, director at Optimus Consultants, says: “Clients will require expertise in areas of change. Those councils that are experiencing change will be letting people go in certain areas.”

Anthony Pierce, associate director at Hudson HR, adds: “Organisational change professionals will be in demand on short to medium-term contracts. Employee relations staff will be in demand. They might need to upskill there. The big opportinity is in organisational development.”