What is a 'chainsaw consultant'?

Watch out, Stickman's got his chainsaw out

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Councils are considering spending money on consultants with a remit to cut overheads

Troubled times are here, with private and public sector organisations alike having to reduce staff numbers, while deploying euphemisms such as 'delayering' and 're-engineering' to convey the impression that they are doing something else. But this is good news for the 'chainsaw consultant', hired to reduce employee headcount without crumpling their designer suit.

The assumption is that they can deflect the blame from permanently employed senior managers. But the scars left by large-scale redundancy are likely to last longer than the short-term contracts of consultants. Cutting-edge organisations are trying to boost the motivation and commitment of staff — and seeing colleagues laid off as part of a 'restructuring' initiative is likely to have the opposite effect.

Councils which are considering spending money on consultants with a remit to cut overheads — and reduce headcount — might like to think about what they will leave behind (apart from a few empty desks, that is).

After all, a lean organisation is only more efficient than a slightly flabby one if the remaining staff are loyal to the organisation and prepared to put in extra effort. And they are more likely to be scanning the job adverts than pouring their energy into their work if they fear that next time there is a problem the hired hackers will be back.