THE government has confirmed it will maintain current funding levels for the Jersey Employment Trust for this year, following a groundswell of support for the charity.
Last week, the charity announced that it may have to cut back some services, while all 38 jobs at the organisation were put “at risk”, after the government said that additional top-up funding beyond an agreed £1.9 million would not be provided this year.
JET had argued that the £1.9m was insufficient for the work it had been doing, and that additional funds had been provided by the government for several years.
The move has sparked outrage amid fears that around half of the charity’s 550 clients could be affected, while an online petition launched last Thursday requesting the government to secure JET’s financial future passed 5,000 signatures within days.
Now, Social Security Minister Lyndsay Feltham has confirmed that the government will maintain its current levels of support to JET throughout 2026 – totalling £2.7 million – with discussions around a long-term solution set to continue.
This, the government has said, would remove any risk to jobs at JET and would ensure Islanders who use the charity’s services would be unaffected.
Deputy Feltham said: “We all agree on the need to develop a longer‑term, sustainable solution for JET’s funding and this funding means we will have additional time to work together to achieve that. Following a constructive meeting yesterday afternoon I am confident we can work positively together with the JET Board and management team. This puts an end to the uncertainty for JET’s staff and clients.”
The long-term solution would include a revised contract for services that reflects Islanders’ needs, an agreement on data sharing that enables us to move forward positively together and a business plan for JET services that meets the requirements of the Public Finances Manual and ensures that the government and JET services are complementary.
JET’s Acting Chair, 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.”
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham added: “I am pleased that we have been able to reach a resolution. We are all committed to ensuring that JET can continue its excellent work providing vital services to Islanders for many years to come.”
