The Government is indicating that some public sector workers could lose their jobs as the global economic crisis deepens.

Dwight Nelson, a minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, said this is an option the Government is considering.

Senator Nelson made the announcement yesterday during a meeting of the Public Sector Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Monitoring Committee.

In a statement from the ministry last night, Senator Nelson was quoted as saying the Government is not ruling out redundancies, wage freezes or layoffs.

As a result, he wants more dialogue with the unions representing public sector workers to prepare civil servants for possible displacement.

This is not good news for civil servants whose earnings are already restricted because of an agreement between the Government and their bargaining units.

The agreement, called the Public Sector MOU is in its third year and the Government could be looking towards a fourth this year.

The finance ministry said during yesterdays meeting, Senator Nelson and Trade Union representatives reiterated that public sector workers should be encouraged to capitalise on every available avenue under the MOU.

Through the MOU, individuals are able to access training and re-training under the Tertiary Employee Assistance Revolving Loan Programme.

The finance and public service ministry said this would help public sector workers to survive and thrive in a slow economic environment.

Senator Nelson, who has responsibility for the public sector said before the Government decides on the future of civil servants, there will be talks with respective trade unions.

Already thousands of people in the private sector have lost their jobs, as companies seek ways to cut their cost amid the global economic crisis.