Treasury Minister in Talks on Safeguards for JT staff

26 July 2006

Talks taking Place on Safeguards for JT Staff

Treasury Minister Senator Terry Le Sueur has arranged to meet the regional official for Amicus, the telecommunications union, to discuss what safeguards could be put in place for the staff of Jersey Telecom if the States decides to sell its shareholding in the company.

The proposal to sell the States shareholding in Jersey Telecom is currently the subject of a full public consultation. Amicus has expressed concern about the future employment prospects of its members and the possible loss of employment benefits, if the sale takes place.

Senator Le Sueur said: “I do not think it is wise or necessary, as has been suggested, to delay making a decision. It is clear, now the telecommunications industry is open to competition, that maintaining public ownership of the shares of Jersey Telecom might not necessarily be in the best public interest. My primary responsibility is to ensure that public funding is used wisely. At the same time I share the concerns of Jersey Telecom staff about continuing their terms and conditions and intend to see how we can commit to internationally-recognised safeguards for the staff, if and when the ownership changes.”

Senator Le Sueur referred to the UK’s TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations, saying: “I am very willing to explore with Amicus how to build a commitment to TUPE principles into any contract for the sale of JT. I want to reach an agreement with the union and employees which would address their concerns and in which undertakings could be given to ensure that existing employment rights would be honoured. I am keen to provide assurances for the staff, but I think it is unwise to delay a decision on the sale.”

A meeting has been arranged for 9 August 2006 between Senator Le Sueur and Mike Budd, Regional Officer of Amicus.