Malta Employers has warned that public sector recruitment is increasingly draining talent from the private sector, urging restraint in hiring ahead of a possible general election.
Addressing the organisation’s 61st annual general meeting, president Ivan Refalo said politically-driven recruitment is weakening private enterprise by drawing away “precious resources and talent”, while the continued expansion of government employment is distorting the labour market at a time of acute skills shortages.
Malta Employers proposed a temporary restriction on government hiring in the run-up to an election, limiting recruitment to essential replacement roles during the six months preceding a vote.
According to Refalo, such a measure would help ensure labour market stability, maintain a level playing field between the public and private sectors, and reduce the risk of politically motivated hiring decisions during sensitive electoral periods.
“Decisions affecting the economy and labour market must be grounded in long-term sustainability rather than short-term political considerations,” he said.
