Low morale in public sector ‘causing more sick days’

Low morale in public sector ‘causing more sick days’

According to a letter outlining seven unions’ concerns, which has been sent to all States Members, all unions have either already, or are imminently about to, ballot their members in relation to industrial action, up to and including a strike.

They have also questioned where money, which could have been used to fulfil pay rises for public sector workers, has gone.

The letter, written by Mick Robbins, vice-president of Prospect, also speaks on behalf of Unite the Union, the National Education Union, NASUWT, NAHT, Jersey Fire and Rescue Association and Jersey Nursing Association.

It says: ‘All unions are noticing that its members are feeling downtrodden and undervalued following many years of tardy and below-RPI wage rises. The effect of this is manifesting itself differently on individual staff and we believe there is an increase in the number of staff who are signed off sick and who are becoming demotivated by the current actions of the employer,’ he said.

‘The significant and continuing drop in morale and goodwill, due to the relentless uncertainty faced by the workforce over recent years, will obviously have a detrimental effect on areas of the organisation. Union representatives cannot recall a time when employees of the States of Jersey have felt so undervalued by their employer.

‘There is also concern that should the employer choose to impose these offers, that would undoubtedly strengthen the resolve of union members and other staff towards what could become a general strike.’

Mr Robbins’ letter also refers to the 2017-2019 Medium Term Financial Plan and claims that unions were given false information.

It also highlights how overall States revenue was much higher than that which was initially forecast.

‘It has been argued by the employer that some of the 2018 money was spent on the pay award for 2017. That is untrue. The 2017 award was made up of one per cent from central contingencies and one per cent from departmental budgets,’ he said.

‘In other words, only £3.7 million was taken from that budget, which should have left an excess of close to £2 million which could have been carried across to 2018. If there is no money available, where has this allocated money gone?

‘In addition, we now understand that States revenue comes in as £30 million higher than was initially predicted for 2018 and is estimated to be £36 million higher in 2019. The 2019 budget will not be balanced as was expected but will actually see revenue exceed expenditure enough to add £50 million to the Stabilisation Fund.’

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