The new leader of Jersey's biggest union is calling for urgent legislation to protect workers from unfair dismissal and discrimination in the work place.

Nick Corbel, 44, of Jersey's Transport and General Workers' trade union, said it was vital the island's government, the States, introduces proper employment legislation as soon as possible.

He was chosen by union officials to take over as leader when Mick Kavanagh stands down at the beginning of April.

Jersey's Planning and Building Services department said it must consider the safety of the public and the best interests of the island community.

Mr Corbel said he would work hard to ensure a fair structure of work place rights was introduced.

He said the current lack of proper employment legislation was completely unacceptable.

He takes up his post as leader of the Transport and General Workers' Union in April.