The absorption of excess employees in provinces and national departments since the lapsing of PSCBC Resolution 7/2002is reflected below.

The above represents a reduction of 60,1% in the number of excess employees. The reduction is mainly attributable to the absorption of excess employees, although retirements and resignations probably also played a role.

On the issue of absorptions, the Departments of Education in provinces have played a significant role. In terms of the norms and standards for effective schooling, it has been established that for schools to be functional, support staff is important. These include receptionists, groundsman, security and cleaning personnel. Given the legacy of neglect of particularly black schools, this requisite was found lacking. To address this anomaly Education departments in provinces have absorbed (and are in the process of absorbing) some of the lower level excess employees into these positions. For example in the Eastern Cape, 1026 excess employees from the Department of Agriculture have been transferred to the Department of Education. An added advantage is that it does not, in most instances, entail the relocation of these employees since the schools are in the area where the excess employees reside.

In the Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo provinces, a substantial number of excess personnel are beyond 55 years old. Whilst vacancies may exist for these employees, it entails relocation. Taking into account their ages and their salary levels (mainly salary level 2), relocation will have a disruptive effect on their lives. Many of these employees have therefore expressed a desire to opt out of service via an employee-initiated package. This is a matter currently receiving the employer's consideration.