Scrutiny Hearing on Public Sector Pay

The Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel has asked the Chief Minister and members of the States Employment Board to appear at a public hearing within the next two weeks to discuss the on-going public sector pay dispute. The Panel has also asked the Chief Minister to confirm who he will be appointing to the vacant position of Chair of the States Employment Board.

In a letter to the Chief Minister dated 8th January 2019, the Chairman of the Corporate Services Panel, Senator Kristina Moore said that it was important that the Council of Ministers and States Employment Board were publicly held to account for their policies and decisions, in light of the evident dissatisfaction within the public sector workforce and the knock-on effect on public services in the Island.

The Panel is also announcing today that it plans to start a review of the One Government reform programme currently underway within the States. The review is planned to start in February this year and will examine the implementation of the One Government structure, including the new departmental structure, the “Team Jersey” culture transformation programme and the Finance Transformation programme.

Senator Kristina Moore, commented:

“Given the prospect of public sector strikes, it is important that the States Employment Board demonstrates clear and visible political leadership at this time. It is also important that the SEB and the Chief Minister provide clear answers on their policy and are held to account through the scrutiny process.

The One Government reform programme is a fundamental re-organisation of the structure and operation of the States. Our review will look at the rationale for the new structure and the implications for the delivery of public services, as well as the political accountability for the changes.” 

The Panel’s work programme for the coming months also includes a review of Population and Migration, due to start in March 2019, and current ongoing reviews of a new Damages Law and the Revenue Administration Law.