The spectre of compulsary redundancy is looming ever larger, according to the chief minister, if the required savings can't be made by government.
Allan Bell was speaking as the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure and the bus drivers remain at loggerheads over planned changes to terms and conditions.
The first round of strikes by drivers - which had lasted for three days - ended at midnight. More are expected in the New Year.
Mr Bell says no-one is exempt from the cuts:
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