Public health workers may see a reduction in compensation this year.

That’s according to Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton, while addressing parliaments standing finance committee on Tuesday.

Dr Tufton said last year a number of additional workers had to be employed and hours extended for others to counter the Covid-19 pandemic.

Responding to a query from opposition spokesman on Health Dr Morais Guy, the Health Minister noted that the allocation for compensation has moved from $48 billion, to 46.8 billion.

When asked if the additional workers who were employed throughout the Covid pandemic will be laid off, Dr Tufton said the intention is to have them permanently employed.

The minister explained the rationale for the reduced allocation for the Covid-19 response.