Government are advising against all non-essential travel into and out of the Island and all arrivals – regardless of whether they have symptoms or not – are being told to self-isolate for 14 days.
The measures are putting hospitality firms under huge pressure and some tourism businesses are expected to close leaving their staff without work.
Simon Soar, chief executive of the Jersey Hospitality Association, said the Island had not faced such a crisis since the Occupation.
Local recruitment agency GR8 is supporting employees facing redundancy by finding them roles elsewhere so that they can remain in the Island and return to their business once the crisis is over.
Firms who need temporary staff while long-term employees are in self-isolation are being urged to get in touch – even if only a few hours are needed. Temporary contracts have been drawn up and are ready to be used.
To date, retailer Sandpiper CI have requested staff for their outlets with 45 jobs in Jersey and 25 in Guernsey needing to be filled, Waitrose and other major retailers and wholesalers are also working with GR8 to provide temporary employment solutions.
Simon Soar, chief executive of the JHA, said: ‘GR8 are going above and beyond to help our industry with this creative solution and they are doing this at cost. This could make the difference between a hospitality business being able to re-open once this crisis has passed or whether it has to close for good. We are at the stage where some businesses are having to make that choice.
‘I am encouraging anyone who needs people to meet any gaps while their staff are self-isolating or have to look after their families to get in touch, even if it’s only for a few hours. It’s 75 years since the island last faced such a serious crisis and I hope Islanders haven’t forgotten what it is to be a community that looks out for each other.’
Businesses who need staff are being asked to contact GR8 directly by email info@gr8jersey.com or to call 488788.
