Public sector workers take to the streets to protest against States cuts

Just days before the States debate the proposed savings programme contained within the Medium Term Financial Plan, the demonstrators walked through town from Howard Davis Park before converging for a rally at the People’s Park.

Speaking to the JEP shortly before the march began, Kenny McNeil, head of the Jersey branch of the Royal College of Nursing, said that although many nurses were working, enough had turned out to send a ‘clear message’ to the States.

‘We need the government to re-think the austerity strategy,’ he said.

‘It is going to hit the old, the disabled and the vulnerable really hard.’

Meanwhile, Nick Corbel, from the Unite union, said that the turnout was ‘great’ and the protest was important for public sector workers and the Island community.

The savings plan is being launched to help prevent the States suffering a multi-million pound budget deficit by 2019.

The savings are to be made through a number of measures, including voluntary and compulsory redundancies.

Speaking at the rally, Dan Laurent, from the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Association, said: ‘There are no details about whose jobs are going to be cuts or which department.

‘We cannot deliver the service we are now and it is not good for the public or for me, as a fireman.

‘We are a modern lean work force, but we are very concerned.

‘Our department and other departments have been cut over the last few years.

‘There were 72 full-time firefighters up until last year, there have been two removals and they are currently working on another two.

‘That leaves us with 68.

‘There is no fat left, we are past the point of where we should be.’

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