Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel hears from unions in follow-up People and Culture Review
Scrutiny
15 January 2024
The Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel’s follow-up review into People & Culture has heard from union representatives, that Jersey’s public sector has disproportionately high levels of bullying and harassment issues compared to other jurisdictions like the UK. The unions also told the Panel that employees feel senior managers are ‘untouchable’ when it comes to holding them to account.
The Panel spoke to: Chris Hopkins, President, JCSA Prospect; and James Turner, Regional Officer, Unite the Union. The aim was to gauge progress since the original review and identify any areas of continuing concern.
Both union leaders recognised improvements in several areas and praised the more collaborative relations with the States Employment Board and better access between them and the employer, but said there are still significant issues to address.
Chair of the Panel, Deputy Sam Mézec, said: ‘The closed ranks attitude of management, particularly with issues within middle managers is a definite concern. We would also like to see more awareness of the mitigating help for staff such as the six sessions of free counselling which is on offer for those struggling with their mental health. It is good to see the improved collaborative approach taken by Government but we will continue to raise ongoing concerns with them. The Panel thanks the union representatives for their candid feedback.’
Other discussion areas raised by the unions include:
- The whistleblowing scheme is not working
- Fixed term one-year contracts are detrimental to staff who are unable to plan or apply for mortgages, and these aren’t always necessary as they’re repeatedly renewed.
- While there have been improvements in top level management, particularly in health, there are still issues within middle grade leaders.
- The extensive use of higher paid locums, particularly in health, hits staff morale.
- Staff view management as untouchable. When disciplinary issues occur, it’s alleged that lower grade staff might lose their jobs whereas senior staff are moved on or ‘retired’.
To watch the full hearing
