MINISTERS are investigating whether some form of payroll support to help businesses impacted by the lengthy roadworks taking place along La Grande Route de St Jean is “achievable”, a Scrutiny panel has heard.
Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan yesterday provided an update on the northern sewer network upgrades, which began in November and could run until February 2027.
The government has stated that the project, which has been split into sections to reduce disruption – with associated closures being announced as the work progresses along the road – will increase sewer capacity from the Haute Croix area to the Bellozanne Sewage Treatment Works.
However, a number of Islanders have raised concerns about the impact on trade.
Joe Baugh, owner and chef at Rondels Farm Shop-based Hank Marvin, shaved his head in November in a social media stunt intended to help boost visibility for affected businesses.
During yesterday’s hearing with the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Panel, Mr Jehan said: “We’ve met businesses, I’ve met my colleague, the [Economic Development] Minister – we’re looking to see whether or not a kind of payroll support mechanism is achievable.
“A payroll mechanism would need to have funding, which certainly Infrastructure don’t have funding for that.”
Responding to follow-up questions from panel member Deputy Alex Curtis, Mr Jehan noted that “some businesses that you don’t think would be impacted may be impacted because people change their journeys”.
“The road outside one of the large garages has not been closed, but they’ve seen a significant impact on passing trade,” he explained.
“They’ve been quite innovative in what they’re doing in terms of home visits and all that kind of stuff, but if you see something that you like and its shiny and new you might stop and have a look at that. But if you don’t go past, you’re not going to see that shiny and new thing.”
The minister also acknowledged that “it is very unusual for us to do roadworks for over 12 months in the same area”.
