Full Breakdown
Jersey Employment Trust Faces Funding Crisis Amid Government Dispute
1/20/2026, 11:56:18 AM
Overview of the Funding Dispute
The Jersey Employment Trust (JET), a charity dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities find employment, is currently facing a funding crisis that has put 38 staff members' jobs at risk. This situation arose after the Jersey government announced it would not provide additional grants beyond JET's agreed budget of £1.9 million for 2026. In response to public pressure and a petition surpassing 5,000 signatures, Social Security Minister Deputy Lyndsay Feltham has offered "stabilisation funding" to support JET while a long-term funding solution is sought.
Government's Position and Funding Details
Deputy Lyndsay Feltham clarified that she has not cut JET's base funding and emphasized her commitment to disability inclusion. In 2025, JET received a one-off top-up grant of £785,000 due to departmental underspends, which Feltham noted could not be guaranteed in subsequent years. She stated that the current funding arrangement is outdated and requires updating to ensure sustainability. Feltham has redirected funds originally allocated for disability and inclusion initiatives to provide stabilisation funding for JET, although the exact amount remains unspecified.
JET's Response and Data Sharing Issues
The board of JET has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the government in finding a sustainable funding model. However, they have pushed back against claims that a lack of data-sharing has hindered negotiations. JET asserts that it has shared all legally permissible information about its clients, citing data protection legislation as a barrier to sharing personal data. The board continues to support the minister's efforts to identify a long-term solution.
Community Reaction and Implications
The announcement of potential job losses and funding cuts has sparked significant concern among JET's service users and the wider community. Many individuals have expressed feelings of disappointment and anxiety regarding their support services. The petition calling for the reversal of the funding cap has gained traction, indicating strong public support for JET and its mission.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have highlighted that the existing funding model is inadequate and has not kept pace with inflation, which has affected JET's ability to provide services effectively. The board has pointed out that the £1.9 million funding from 2015 would equate to approximately £2.9 million today when adjusted for inflation. This discrepancy has raised questions about the sustainability of JET's operations and the government's commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities.
What's Next
As discussions continue, the matter is expected to be raised in the States Assembly, particularly given the petition's success. The government has committed to reviewing the funding situation, and any final agreement on the stabilisation funding will depend on ongoing negotiations with JET. The urgency of the situation is heightened by the upcoming election in June, which may influence the government's approach to resolving the funding crisis.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I made it clear to JET that it was just fortuitous that I was able to offer this and that we could not guarantee it on further occasions, because underspends will always vary,” — Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, Minister for Social Security
- “. . the Board wishes to make clear that it continues to support the Minister and her department in identifying a sustainable, long-term funding solution.” — JET Board Statement
- “Now it is clear that the arrangement between government and JET is no longer fit for purpose and needs to be refreshed for a new long-term arrangement with sustainable funding built in to stop this from happening again,” — Sam Mézec, Housing Minister
