05 March 2020
A government spokesperson said:
“Officials are working to ascertain the number of Islanders employed directly by Flybe as pilots, attendants and ground handling staff. If any individuals are affected by the closure, they are encouraged to contact Customer and Local Services who can provide advice and guidance regarding financial support (insolvency benefit, contributions credits and confirmation of potential eligibility for income support) as well as CV and interview support and intensive job-seeking through our Back to Work provision.
“In addition, Health and Community Services are aware of the situation with Flybe and are monitoring it closely. Ensuring that patients who need to have treatment in Southampton can travel safely for that treatment is a priority for the department, as is repatriating patients to Jersey who are there for treatment at the moment.
“The Travel Office team at the Hospital are now contacting passengers who are affected by this today and have been since this morning.
“Patients who require treatment in Southampton will be re-booked onto alternative flights and onward transport to Southampton by the hospital’s Travel Office as needed, and HCS will meet these transport costs.
“There are 9 patients booked on flights to Southampton in the next week, and 27 patients booked on to flights to Southampton in total, until the end of June.
“Health and Community Services have a detailed plan to review the situation on a week-by-week basis . We recognise that travelling for treatment can be worrying, and all patients are assured that Health and Community Services will keep them updated and informed.”