ALL the government's human resources staff will soon be based at St Andrew's House in Finch Road in Douglas.

The move - which follows a similar centralisation of finance functions - is part of government's Transforming Government programme to reduce costs following the reduction in the Isle of Man's share of VAT revenue.

The Island is losing out on millions of pounds of income due to the fact the UK has changed its VAT sharing agreement with the Isle of Man.

Newly named the Office of Human Resources, the HR unit will be responsible for recruitment, redeployment and employee relations for the various departments, boards and offices.

Chief officer Jon Callister is leading work to combine the different HR functions across government from April 1.

The initial move will involve the personnel office and the HR sections from the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, Department of Health and Department of Social Care followed by staff from other areas.

Jon said: "This is a particularly exciting and challenging time for HR in government, which needs a strong and resilient HR community to support the management of workforce reforms.

"I am fortunate to have a highly professional team and look forward to working with them in achieving our goals."

The Council of Ministers first approved the plan last year.

Chief Minister Tony Brown MHK said: "The Transforming Government project is a central part of our strategy in making government fit for purpose in the 21st century.

"Key to this is ensuring that professional services are provided in a streamlined and cost effective way.

"The new Office of Human Resources will play a vital role in helping government to deliver its change agenda in the coming months and years."