From Rose Davies.
GST has finally arrived and I’m very concerned. Could it be our education system? Could it be a misunderstanding on percentages? Where is Carol Vorderman when you need her?
For a financial centre, our shops seem to be struggling with calculating this additional 3% GST malarkey. When does 3% suddenly become 8.5% or 10% as some establishments are charging?
Although technically Tuesday, it certainly felt like a Monday coming back into work after a relaxing three-day bank holiday. I strolled into the Jersey Pottery coffee shop to order my caffeine fix of the morning and a sneaky scone.
Today, with the 3% inclusive GST price the combined cost was £3.20. Crikey, I know I tend to rely on calculators these days but it was clear that something was amiss here. After leaving the shop somewhat shell-shocked I realised the increase was 8.5%.
Call me a cynical old bean but surely our lovely shops aren’t taking this as an opportunity to hike their prices up?
St Clement.

A spokesman for Jersey Pottery said that the company had decided to introduce one set of price increases, covering both GST and the recent big increases in food prices, some of which have risen 30% in six months, rather than make the changes in two stages. – Editor.