OVER £285,000 from the Health Department budget was spent on settlement agreements concerning claims from former employees over the past three years, it has emerged.
The response to a freedom-of-information request confirmed that 33 employment tribunal claims have been filed by past or current Health and Care Jersey employees within the past three years.
Of these, 19 were settled by mutual consent through compromise or settlement agreements ahead of a final tribunal hearing at a cost of £285,059.51.
It comes amid wider concerns about Health spending, with the department predicted to overspend by £12 million last year.
The department has routinely ended its year with a shortfall over the past few years – reaching a £38 million overspend in 2024.
Back in 2023, the then-Treasury Minister Ian Gorst said Health leaders had been “read the Riot Act” over their ongoing budget failures.
The freedom-of-information request also asked how many former Health and Care Jersey employees have signed non-disclosure agreements.
But the response said there is no central record of non-disclosure agreements, so the information could not be provided.
It explained: “Confidentiality agreements or non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) may be signed for several different reasons, including prior to, or as part of, a commercial arrangement; arrangements with external investigators, mediators or third parties; due to certain staff members undertaking certain sensitive work; and in settlement arrangements.”
The Health Department has a budget of £380.96 million this year, with ambitions to save £9 million – with the biggest savings expected in medical services, surgical services and mental health.
Following queries from the JEP about the lastest figures, the department said: “Health and Care Jersey is committed to creating a supportive, fair, and respectful working environment for all colleagues.
“Concerns are handled transparently and we encourage early, constructive resolution wherever possible.”
It added: “When viewed in the context of our overall workforce, over the past three years, the number of cases resulting in employment tribunal has been low.
“Much work has been done to ensure that employment matters that have been raised have been resolved collaboratively, without the need for a tribunal hearing.
“This reflects Health and Care Jersey’s commitment to listening to staff, addressing issues promptly, and maintaining open lines of communication.
“Health and Care Jersey is committed to fostering a positive working environment and to resolving concerns in a way that is fair for employees and taxpayers alike.”
