Government and employment trust agree funding

The Government of Jersey and an employment trust have reached an agreement over funding.

Ministers said the government would maintain its current total funding of £2.7m for Jersey Employment Trust (JET) while discussions over longer term funding took place.

The trust had said it was reviewing its services after ministers declined to give the charity additional funding above its agreed budget due to "considerable overspends".

Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, Minister for Social Security, said both parties were "confident we can work positively together" and the agreement would "put an end to the uncertainty for JET's staff and clients".

A joint statement issued by the Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham, Feltham and the trust outlined the elements of a long-term solution.

It said it would include a revised contract for services that reflects islanders' needs, an agreement on data sharing and a business plan for JET services that meets the requirements of the Public Finances Manual.

Farnham said: "We are all committed to ensuring that JET can continue its excellent work providing vital services to islanders for many years to come."

JET acting chairman Dan Perkins said: "I am delighted that we have managed to reach an agreement to secure JET's funding for 2026, and we remain totally committed to positive engagement over the coming weeks and months, and to finding a sustainable way forward for all parties.

"I would like to put on record my thanks to the incredible JET staff for the professionalism they have shown during such a challenging period."

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