STATES workers are living in a climate of fear and mistrust over proposed cuts to the public sector, according to the head of Jersey’s biggest union.

And Transport and General Workers Union president Nick Corbel has criticised what he called the ‘triumphalist attitude’ of Senator Philip Ozouf, who yesterday challenged States committee presidents to follow the example of the Economic Development Committee, who propose to cut 20 jobs from their Agricultural Department.’The States of Jersey as an employer are failing in their duty of care to staff,’ said Mr Corbel.

‘They have created a climate of fear and mistrust in the way they have handled this situation.

My members within the States of Jersey are very concerned and are constantly looking over their shoulders to see who is next.’You have got to remember that it is 20 posts that have gone – that is 20 people and that will affect 20 families.

Is Senator Ozouf going to go to these people and explain why they are no longer able to work and supply an income for their families?’