Recent strike by security staff at Jersey Airport

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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY, 5th DECEMBER 2006

Question

1. In his statement to the Assembly on 8th November 2006 following the strike by airport security staff the Assistant Minister stated that it was necessary to review the contract with the provider with a view to "ensuring future contractual arrangements are more robust". Would the Minister explain to members what he meant by this statement?
2. The Assistant Minister also stated that such services "could be fulfilled in house in the future". Will the Minister undertake to bring an assessment of this option to the Assembly?

Answer

1. I w  ould first correct the Deputy that the statement towhich he refers wasmade in the House on 22th November, 2006, the day of industrial action byG4S Aviation Services staff atJersey Airport.  The appraisal ofthe current G4Scontractis a natural consequence of the actiontakenby security staff on22 November, 2006, and a precursor to any decisionswhich will need to betaken as the currentcontract with G4Sreaches its end date in 2009.

Following the appointment of Julian Green as Director, Jersey Airport is undertaking a root and branch review of all areas of it's operations. A Strategic document "Jersey Airport Future Directions", published recently outlined the key findings of this review. As part of the work the Airport continues to evaluate options for the provision of security services. This will include, but not be limited to, the evaluation of an in-house option for such services.

2. I a m pleased to confirm tothehouse that I will be keep Members informed of the progress of ourstrategy plans, including anyassessmentwemake with regard to ourfuture security requirements.