Battle to save Island jobs

MINISTERS are going to have to fight to protect Islanders’ jobs as the financial crisis continues, Chief Minister Frank Walker has warned.

He says that it is inevitable that jobs will be lost over the coming year – and that the next Council of Ministers will have to protect Islanders as much as possible. Senator Walker’s warning came as the growing crisis prompted British Chancellor Alistair Darling to announce a £50bn rescue package for UK banks. A further £200bn was made available to provide liquidity to banks and building societies but the move failed to halt the continuing decline of shares when trading began this morning.

With cutbacks likely to affect not only Jersey’s main industry but the Island economy as a whole, Island business leaders and politicians are starting to plan for tough times ahead. Senator Walker, other senior politicians and expert advisers are meeting daily to discuss the impact on Jersey of the world crisis.

Speaking as the latest set of employment figures revealed a 3% rise in the number of jobs in Jersey in the 12 months to June, Senator Walker said: ‘Ministers’ jobs for next year and for the foreseeable future are going to be about protecting local people’s jobs. Unemployment will inevitably rise in Jersey and their major task will be to protect local people’s jobs.’
(from thisisjersey)

But by the time that they get around to it the unemployment figure will be over the top