All non-essential government services will be temporarily shut down on December 27, December 30, and December 31, 2024, in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. This announcement was made by Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Service Sitiveni Rabuka.
Essential services, however, will remain operational. The Prime Minister stated that adequate staffing arrangements will be made to ensure these critical services continue to function smoothly, despite a significant decrease in overall staff availability during this period.
This holiday break is seen as a valuable opportunity for government employees to spend quality time with their families and loved ones. Rabuka encouraged Permanent Secretaries to promote the use of leave among staff during these closure days, underscoring the importance of work-life balance.
While the Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of continuing essential services, he also noted that it is at the discretion of the Permanent Secretaries to determine if skeleton staff will be needed for specific services during this time.
In his closing remarks, Rabuka expressed appreciation for the hard work and dedication of civil servants throughout the year. He extended his warm wishes for a peaceful, joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all civil servants and their families.
This initiative not only allows government employees a much-deserved break but also reflects the government’s commitment to supporting work-life balance, which can lead to increased productivity and employee satisfaction in the long run. With the holiday season approaching, this announcement brings a positive outlook for civil servants to enjoy quality time with their loved ones.
Summary: Non-essential government services will close for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, while essential services will continue with reduced staffing. Prime Minister Rabuka encourages leave usage among staff and appreciates their contributions throughout the year, wishing everyone a joyous holiday season.
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