The job cuts are part of plans put forward to change the way the civil service operates and save �20m a year.

Under the plans, announced on Wednesday, up to 300 jobs could be cut.

John Moulin from the Jersey Civil Association said it came as no surprise but that he was encouraged by the way employees have been consulted.

'Difficult time'

Mr Moulin said would co-operate with the process to make sure it was done in the right way.

He said: "It's going to be a hard five years, I believe.

"It will be a difficult time for everybody. But if we pull together, hopefully we can have a good result."

The proposed changes to the civil service include better contact with the public and a new culture of operating more efficiently.

The Policy and Resources Committee's president, Senator Frank Walker, said he believed it could be achieved painlessly.

He said that all States employees have been sent a letter explaining the changes and that the majority of job cuts would occur as people retire or take redundancy.

However, the proposals were greeted with unease by unions which represent manual workers.

They will meet later this month to discuss the proposed cuts.