THE potential impact of a government decision not to provide additional funding to the Jersey Employment Trust this year has been met with concern by those who benefit from the charity’s work.
Social Security Minister Lyndsay Feltham has sought to reassure Islanders supported by JET that the government is “absolutely committed to making sure they get the assistance they need.”
The Trust stated on Wednesday that “no final decisions have yet been made on individual roles within the organisation”, but confirmed that all 38 staff are “at risk” of redundancy.
A “concerning” situation
In a statement, the Association of Jersey Charities said that: “Firstly, the board at JET should be congratulated for the appropriate and professional action they have taken in the face of the funding challenge.
“We also know that government are looking to save money where they can, services should always be under review and tough decisions will have to be made.”
But the Association described the situation as “concerning” and warned that “some of Jersey’s most vulnerable islanders are at risk of being let down through a lack of choice or availability of important services”.
“We know that negotiations are still underway between JET and the government,” the statement continued.
“It would be good to understand what the government think are the real benefits or savings from this action. JET (and charities in general) provide a lean, trusted, effective and accountable way of delivering services which truly understand and meet the needs of the beneficiaries.
“If government are to pick up these services directly, will they be able to deliver them in this way (surely there will be additional costs should government pick up these services)?
“If they don’t pick up these services from JET, then it will be our most vulnerable Islanders that will suffer.”
“Devastated by the news”
Kenan Osborne told the JEP that his son Owen had benefited from the support of JET for the last three years.
“He is diagnosed as autistic and he was desperate to try and get some gainful employment and to find a way to stay in employment,” Mr Osborne said.
“If it hadn’t been for the JET team, and particularly the help of Mel who is his co-ordinator, there’s no way he would have ever had a chance to experience real work.”
He said that Owen was “devastated by the news” regarding the JET’s funding situation.
“Purely and simply because, from his perspective, now where will his support come from?”
Mr Osborne also noted that the JET has said it will likely need to refer more than half of the 550 clients it supports each year to the government and will also now close its waiting list of more than 50 Islanders.
“I’m just really unsure as to the capacity or capability of other services within government to pick up these vulnerable people, who take time to support – they have complex needs,” he continued.
He also contended that such a transition would involve “taking away that one point of support, who knows them inside out and doesn’t need to ask them questions to be able to understand and assess what their needs are and how they need support”.
“Even if they have the staff available right now to immediately pick these people up, developing a relationship with these clients – a lot of them who are very vulnerable – takes a very long time.”
Another Islander who had benefited from JET support, Tracey Monet, said that: “I got my concentration back, I talk to a lot more people now – basically changed my life going up there.”
She added that: “I don’t know what I’ll do if something happens to that.”
“We understand how important the work of this charity is”
Deputy Louise Doublet said that the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel, which she chairs, had discussed the matter with Deputy Feltham.
“We understand that the minister is keen to find a resolution to this,” Deputy Doublet continued.
“We understand how important the work of this charity is and we encourage both parties, the minister and the charity representatives, to continue discussions in order to find a resolution and to reassure Islanders that are using the services of this charity that they will continue to be supported.”
“Core funding has not kept pace with inflation”
In a further statement yesterday afternoon, JET said it “welcomes the minister’s reassurance about the importance of continued support for Islanders”.
“Demand for JET’s services has increased significantly over a number of years, with more
clients requiring more intensive support. This is evidenced by JET’s current waiting list of
more than 50 individuals,” the statement continued.
“Over the last decade, core funding has not kept pace with inflation. By way of context,
the organisation’s funding of £1.9 million in 2015 would equate to around £2.9 million
today, taking into account inflation over the same period.”
The statement added: “JET has consistently delivered support to its clients within the agreed funding grant available.
“Where additional funding has been required, this has been pre-approved by
government and used specifically to meet increased demand and maintain agreed
service levels.
“This is, therefore, agreed top-up funding to account for increasing demand and the pressures of inflation, and is not overspending.
“The confirmed decision that further additional funding will not be available means the
current contract is no longer sustainable at its existing scale, and JET has therefore
begun a formal consultation process.
“JET remains focused on supporting clients and staff with care and clarity and will
continue to engage constructively with government to seek the best possible outcome
for its clients who are at the heart of everything we do.”
YOUR VIEW: How Islanders reacted on social media
Bronia Maçon: “This is unbelievably sad. JET do amazing work for so many people who otherwise may not find employment.
“It will cost three times more for Social Security to then have to send them through the back to work scheme who may not always have the contacts that would be able to help.”
Sarah Daly: “This is an essential service within island life with many more young people with impairments and disabilities moving through school and needing employment, needing a purposeful future, needing to grow and bloom, please do not let our young people down!”
Mark Sims: “Appalling, JET does such great work and helping people get in to work surely benefits the island’s finances?
“We can find millions for vanity pavement projects but not for our people in need.”
