Nurses 'lured' by tax-free status ... by Guernsey

Guernsey has apologised to Jersey for an advert encouraging nurses to work in the Bailiwick, by promoting the lack of a Goods and Service Tax (GST).

The advert, saying Welcome to Guernsey - a GST-free zone, was placed in a local Jersey newspaper by Guernsey's Health and Social Services Department.

Jersey's health boss said the advert breached an understanding between the islands not to poach staff.

Guernsey said the advert "slipped through the system in error".

The advert said: "Move to Guernsey and you won't have to pay GST on goods. In fact, we'll tax you in all the right ways.

It is certainly not the department's policy to compete against Jersey for staff

Guernsey spokesperson

"So if you're a nurse with acute experience or experience in other specialities, why not swap the GST for something a little more taxing and a little more fun."

The States of Jersey introduced a 3% tax on most goods sold in the island at the beginning of May to raise money to pay for government services.

Health Minister Senator Ben Shenton said he was "surprised" by the advert .

A Guernsey health spokesperson said the advertisement had been placed without the knowledge or approval of either the board or its senior management.

"It is certainly not the department's policy to compete against Jersey for staff or to issue statements criticising Jersey's taxation policies.

"The department fully apologises to Jersey's health authorities for this error."

Personal apology

Guernsey Health Minister Hunter Adam said both islands faced the same recruitment challenges and difficulties and a good working relationship existed.

In a statement, the minister said: "We have an informal understanding that the islands will not actively compete against each other in the manner of this unfortunate advertisement.

"I can therefore only apologise to Senator Shenton and his staff on behalf of the department for this error and can assure Jersey that this department would wish to disown the sentiments expressed in the advertisement."

Mr Adam said he would contact Mr Shenton to apologise personally (from BBC News)

Naughty Naughty Mr Hunter Adam...Good Idea though..lol

You mean to tell me the Guernsey Authorities had no Idea what this "upset" this Advert would cause Yeah Right