I learned today that the National Personnel Authority has suggested there be a cut in both monthly salaries and bonuses for national civil servants in fiscal 2009. It is the first time in six years such a reduction in both salaries and bonuses for civil servants has been suggested.

The proposal implements a cut of 154,000 yen from the current annual pay levels for civil servants. It would be the second-largest cut, following a reduction of 165,000 yen recommended in 2003. It proposed slashing civil servants’ monthly pay for the first time in four years, by as much as 0.2%, they said.

In another report I read it said that bonuses have been cut an average of 17%.