Cash for jobs
Monday 20th February 2012, 3:00PM GMT.
Chief Minister Ian Gorst addressing the group at the Town Hall
JERSEY businesses are to be given cash for employing Islanders out of work in the latest attempt to reduce record levels of unemployment.
Chief Minister Ian Gorst has said that he is on the verge of launching a scheme that will ‘use money in the right way’ by helping to share the risks of taking on unemployed people with businesses.
Although there has been speculation, it is the first time he has publicly confirmed that companies are being offered plain and simple cash incentives to tackle unemployment.
Speaking at a meeting of the business and faith communities on Friday he said that the first businesses to receive money were due to be announced within weeks.
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Sounds like the YOP scheme that was used in the UK in the 80′s. It worked for both me and my brother, if you can get people into the habit of working, getting up, going to work then they are much more employable.
I guess we’re paying these people benefit they might as well be working as it may lead to a job directly or indirectly.
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The YOPS got me qualifications I’d never have been able to afford otherwise.
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Great give companies our money to employ our unemployed then sack them before they are entitled to get and redundency oney, then employ some new ones etc etc
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I agree with #1 and with you. It must be a sustainable programme, and therefore of course requires a lot of thought. It should be done in such a way that people get long term jobs, and careers if they want to move upwards. It needs to be very carefully tied into issues of the minimum wage, levels of benefits and so on. Otherwise it will be a short-lived success only.
Life has changed, and the private sector on the island, in the past based on a very buoyant finance sector, can no longer support over the long term the combination of the States expenditure, much of it wages, and levels of benefits. Islanders will increasingly have to set their intial job expectations at the jobs currently done by the Polish community (was the Portuguese community before expectations rose). Instead of funding people to do degrees in the UK in subjects of very little use on the island, and the graduates then working in the UK, we need a new model. Over several years, more need to be wanting to do this: start as barman; then undergo professional training; then become a junior manager; get a degree in hospitality management part-time (taught on the island); and then become a hotel manager. Only in this way will unemployment fall and stay down. We need to get some more working in agriculture, but I appreciate that it is a bit tricky persuading some people to get up early and get wet.
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This nonsense. The people of Jersey want real jobs. Sack Philip Ozouf and focus on real work for the real people of Jersey.
Problem is Ian Gorst is a paper tiger. He may be a best paper tiger in a while pride of paper tigers, but at the end of the day Ian Gorst is a paper tiger.
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if you are so opposed to it, please explain your solution; what additional ‘real work’ do you want to see and how?
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What ?
Aren’t Social Security Contributions on an ever increasing upward trend ?
A great DISINCENTIVE for taking on employees
Abandon Ship ! -some fool piloted us into the rocks
One long blast on the horn means it was FW
Two long blasts means it was TLS
Three long blasts means it was Other yet to be googled persons.
Well done Crew: Joined up Sinking !
Best viewed online from a safe distance.
Bye,
Captain Coward (Sir)
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Why doesn’t the Chief Minister concentrate in stopping people not born in Jersey taking jobs? You only have to walk around the shops in town to see how many non locals are working here, and this cash for employers to take people on is a stupid idea.
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Immigration is not the root of the problem – it’s locals who don’t want to do those kind of jobs in the shops you’re in!
Today’s Editorial in the JEP hit the nail on the head – I am locally qualified having lived here since I was 2 but when the chips were down I was able to find work in hotels here in Jersey on several occasions.
I simply don’t think the majority of locals want to put in that kind of hard work to find unemployment, nor work for the minimum wage or horror of all horrors work six days a week instead of five.
Let’s stop blaming foreigners for our own inadequacies!
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I doubt that there are many people working in shops in town who are not qualified. Non-jersey will largely have come in though hospitality or agriculture for several years, and the only way to stop this route to jobs in the shops (for example) is for islanders to work in agriculture and hospitality so that they do not need migrant workers. Therefore policies need to encourage people into these areas.
Incidentally, does this employment restiction on those not born here include the husbands or wives of jersey born people? I reckon that there must be quite a few in employment – how about more than 5000? Might be worth asking states statistics unit?
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Hey, do you know what Xenophobia means. It looks like you’re forgetting that they are only taking job that Islanders do not want. Do you want to work for 6 pound per hour? or less maybe! Would you like all Jersey born in other countries to be treated in the manners you are defending? You wouldn’t have enough space on the Island to put everybody. I think you should just take it easy and don’t be so pretentious in thinking that no one else has the right to look for a better life/opportunities. This is an economic problem not a people problem, less purchasing power, less consumption, less profit for companies…etc. All companies in Jersey have there head offices in other countries, if they suffer from the economic downturn is obvious that their subsidiaries will suffer. Employees are probably the most expensive assets to a company and if they are short on liquidity they will let people go, it’s a fast response to a problem, it has sever consequences. But if you can some way get companies to not let people go, then maybe you might avoid the local economy from becoming illiquid (people will stop spending. I say give it a chance, do you have any better ideas?
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Ah. The same old chestnut rolled out by the locals. Blame the foreigners. Only employ locally born. Oh dear oh dear. The reason why there are so many non locals here is because the beans either can’t do the work or won’t do the work.
Boring old comments by small minded people.
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What a stupid off the cuff comment that can only be made by (one presumes) some smug “Jersey born” commentator. Immigrants have contributed heavily to the success of this Island and the Government(predominatly local) have all but ruined it!! Immigrants as usual are the scape goats. People like you with your comments on here to be seen by all the world, will be helping to bolster Jerseys perceived reputation as a place that does not welcome “outsiders” (read investment). Well done you and please feel free to put forwards a less stupid idea!!
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Immigrant and proud
That is rather silly and hypocritical statement to make……”Jerseys perceived reputation as a place that does not welcome “outsiders” (read investment).”
If this were true then there would hardly be ANY immigrants in the island now would there?!
….and there would be no investment either!
In both cases we have plenty so that shoots your comment down in flames doesn’t it!?
Your veiled attack on all “Jersey borns” in retaliation to a comment by one “presumed” Jersey born is disgraceful.
That is the sort of attitude that will self-prophecise your own comment…..if you keep telling people that they hate you then eventually they will because you keep telling them so!
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I would not call immigrants working for the minimum wage as ‘investment’. They will be a drain on the economy once they get their over 5 year welfare handouts.
They may be an investment to the Zero tax companies who employ the of course.
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Overpopulated
I didn’t “call immigrants working for the minimum wage as ‘investment’”
I read Immigrant & proud’s message ”Jerseys perceived reputation as a place that does not welcome “outsiders” (read investment).” as investment (i.e. money) coming into the island from “outsiders”….or, to put more clearly, investors who do not reside in the island.
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also required, a halt to outside contractors taking work for local taxpaying firms , who may take on a youngster.
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not a good remedy. their are alternatives.
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Why don’t you try suggesting something for a change rather than just continuously post negative comments without ever providing a viable alternative to that proposed?
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If no-one knows the rules, how can they be “about to be announced”? Surely it should take weeks to get the plans ready, communicate them, and then permit applications from applicants fitting the criteria – on an equitable basis. Presumably there will be rules, and presumably there will not be an infinite amount of money, therefore there needs to be control … And if there isn’t a general communication all at once, then it suggests an element of inequity.
This doesn’t feel very transparent to me. And I would much rather see tax or social security benefits (or loans at preferential rates) rather than cash payments.
And I’d hope to see some kind of promotion of alternative industries, smaller businesses/entrepreneurial outfits … which I don’t think there aren’t enough of.
It’s a good idea in principle. Just don’t want it ending up a disaster and annoying people! Cash needs to generate more cash on which tax will be paid and which is greater than the cash stimulus!
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Question is if they needed them…they’d surely hire them….so if they don’t need them WTF
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I’m sure the scheme will have some successes, Personally I would use the money to provide low rate loans to business start ups but naturally there isn’t a single, easy solution.
Immigration is to blame only in the sense that foreign workers are generally better qualified and work harder than the locals – I know there are people who think eliminating the competition would solve the problem for the lazy and uneducated youngsters in Jersey but let’s be honest – if it were your business would you hire someone who’s incompetent, under qualified and liable to lose you money just because they’re born on this particular lump of rock?
I have my doubts.
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It doesn’t help when employers don’t even seek to find staff locally.
I know a company who recruited a foreign national from the UK but did not advertise the job in Jersey. This person has been subsequently moved over and has their accommodation paid for by the company….their family is arriving in the next few weeks!
To top this off, they are apparently using J-Cat licences for this but the job role does not require any special skills……it would have been perfect for someone starting out in finance!
Perhaps the states should start enforcing the employment laws we have and maybe get some kind of evidence from employers to prove that they tried advertising locally first!
Employers must also then justify why they have non-qualified people working certain jobs when there is sufficient skills in the current local employment market!
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Well rather than having a moan about it on here, why not call undertakings and regulations and report said company. The ladies and gentlemen down there are very approachable to deal with and take all breeches of the law very seriously.
However, it seems odd that they are hiring an interdependent within finance and going to all the trouble of providing a J-cat which do have to be justified and aren’t just handed out. They are also providing accommodation at an extra cost to them selfs?.
This hardly sounds like a start-up position and more a case of sour grapes from locals who didn’t get the job.
You have no idea why they recruited from the UK, perhaps they required someone who has a higher level of skill dealing with a particular market place.
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Someone
Actually, this is fact, however, your comments were based upon assumption!
Quick to jump on the offensive aren’t we?
The person involved is part of an “old boy’s” network….friends of friends….well, you know how it works!
This was a job in finance, Jersey is a MAJOR finance centre….there are plenty of qualified people in the local marketplace. The job was not advertised locally and does NOT require anybody with specialised skills to warrant the use of a J-Cat licence.
Now tell me what is right about any of this!
Should you find yourself out of work and you were aware of this type of shenanigan which prevented you getting a job….how would you feel?
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The more I hear about the ideas that these people come up with, the more terrified I get for the well being of this Island and the people who live here.These people are playing with our future and Jersey good name which was once envied. What do they do in the states?, pass a hat around then pull out a suggestion?, it certainly seems like it to me.It is not funny any more, something has to be done,as soon as possible please!!
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This is a great idea!! I can get rid of some of my current part-time staff and get new ex-unemployed ones, and the taxpayer will subsidise them. Fantastic!
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i wonder if any of this tax payers money will be given to the multi millionaire Seymour family for people to work in their hotels.
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Can you all not simply understand that all those jobs are not being taken by foreigners!! They dont take them themselves !! They are being given them by local employers !!! Let’s ask ourselves a question why they prefere to employ non locals?!? Once we, or rather you Jersey people find out what the answer is will realise what the real problem is . Only then you can start looking for solutions. And stop complaining about using j cat. This is also being given to non locals by LOCALS !!!
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Just one statememt, ” If the States had enforced the 5 year rule,we would not be in the JOB mess we are in now “…
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Instead of handouts to already under-taxed local companies, how about making them employ people who have been resident for 5 years or more (which they can do under the regulation of undertakings laws)
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K – Brilliant letter….I also say bring back all the locals to Jersey and let them do the jobs the immigrants are doing – what a laugh. I totally agree – would Jersey born people like to be treated like us immigrants are treated here and live in such awful accomodation etc etc etc…it goes on and on.
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If it is so awful, why do you remain here? You are here by choice. If you don’t like it, stop moaning and leave, please.
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Well said, my parents have been on the island for over 45years started in a farm, not missed a days work without a good reason.
I am 33 and changed my carrer path 5 times since leaving school, made unemployed once, but because of them have I followed their work effort, and grabed the next thing I could.
Put it this way I prefer to be me than those who simply are too picky or don’t want to work.
The more people who are given the chance to get self respect and prove themselves the better.
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Looking at the recent boycotts of Tesco and Matalan in the UK as reaction to ‘creating’ jobs for benefits plus bus fares, it will be a brave and greedy local business that gets involved.
I think some firms will be proud to say that they only provide real jobs to real people, without sponging off the Taxpayer.
My own personal boycott of the participating businesses will extend well past the date this scheme has been closed as a failure.
Remember to question, when you are spending your tax paid earnings, whether you want to spend with an honest business or a bunch of exploiting pay packet grabbers.
Ian Gorst, I do hope you have the decency to let us know who is getting the free labour.
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When it comes to unemployment it’s been a tale of two recessions, with level of education playing an unprecedented role in whether you’ve been pink slipped or not. Getting a degree from High Speed Universities is the only solution
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No it isn’t.
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Have you ever been inside a turkish prison?
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I had some “free” local labor under the current scheme. I stopped taking them as they were more trouble than I was prepared for and the amount of supervision required meant they cost me money and held up productivity.
I am sure I was not the only one in this position and this scheme makes it worth taking on a trainee.
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Yes its all about money at the end of the day.
If bosses can get as much labour as they can on this scheme they’ll be laughing. It will maximise profits for them. They can also return any they deem as to not be making them enough money.
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Disgusted-if it’s so bad here why do you stay? There are plenty of other places.I’m Jersey born and have lived in four other countries,there were things about them I liked and things I didn’t like but it was always my choice to live in them.If I had moaned about conditions I would have been told to go home. So many immigrants here seem to expect people to feel sorry for them. Why?
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I don’t remember seeing any immigrants asking for our sympathy – although admittedly I have more sympathy for them than I do for a generation of whiny locals who don’t want to put the hard work in necessary to obtain and keep a job, and seem to think the world owes them a cushy office position.
I worked in hotels here in Jersey and in the UK all of 2010, I didn’t see a local come by once in search of work – go figure.
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…maybe it’s because you had stolen “their” job
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He he!
An excellent case in point:
Since posting on here yesterday I had a flyer through my door from a window cleaning firm offering to get the windows in my flat sparkly and clean inside and out from as little as 90p per pane – whoever it was seems to have leafleted the whole block.
It’s clear from the way this person writes that English isn’t their first language – and that they’re just starting out as the flyers were produced on a cheap colour photocopier.
Can anyone here really imagine a local kid doing the same? Heaven forfend they leave the comfort of mummy and daddy’s sofa and actually walk from house to house with a sponge and bucket?
And to cap it all these are often the same people who sit there and blame foreigners for stealing jobs out from under them!
Who’s more to blame, an immigrant who takes the initiative to earn money or a local who doesn’t?
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It would be interesting to see what the quality of the work would be and how the person would deal with any breakages. I would imagine that there is no insurance- and probably no income tax or social paid either.
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I wash my own windows, is it is beneath you to wash your’s? Maybe you are worried it doesn’t do much for your street cred? A few windows can be washed and polished in less than half an hour.
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Intriguing post #4 (Endgame Graham)
“Joined up Sinking” lol
But what is he on about ?
Tell me someone.
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Well I think the shipworms [Teredo navalis] were overfed on the structural timbers by the myopic FW (one long blast remember)
TLS (bless him) was happy to keep the rot covered up (2 long blasts)
Apparently Sir Coward (Captain) had his hand on the tiller all the time and now plans to sail us off into the sunset (3 long blasts)
A symphony of errors & not music to any ear
but we have not had a band of such talentless performers since the Sex Pistols
I really can’t be any clearer than that ?
can I ?
Graham Endgame@jersey
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I equate the evolving situation to Apollo 13, unfortunately there isn’t enough intelligence to get us out of this mess….Jersey we have a problem. Answers on a post card which will be promptly put in the bin as they think they know better….
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here’s a thing, an unemployed guy gets five and a half years for selling drugs…he apparently sought to do that instead of income support..at about 1k a week room and board…the Taxpayer will have to cough up £275,000-00 pounds for his stay…after which he will still be …..unemployed and probably less employable… funny old life eh.
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