Staff productivity is key to Jersey's success

Thursday 13 March 2014

Businesses are being urged to find ways to make their staff more productive.

Chairman of the States finance policy watchdog, the Fiscal Policy Panel (FPP), Joly Dixon was speaking at this week's Chamber of Commerce lunch at the Pomme D'Or hotel.

Responding to a question from Senator Sarah Ferguson, he told the two hundred people in the audience: "The improvement of productivity is something that the FPP has been saying is really necessary right from the publication of our first annual report. It's an absolutely key question for the Jersey economy - how to improve productivity? Fiscal policy can play a big role in productivity mainly by creating the conditions in which growth can be as high as possible and as stable as possible, and our advice will go on being geared to that, and we will do as much as can".

Separately, the Treasury has announced changes to the make-up of the Panel. Marian Bell is stepping down after six years. Both Joly Dixon, and his colleague Christoper Allsopp have been reappointed for two more years. Then there are two new appointments, for five year terms: Ms Tera Allas, former Director General, Strategic Advice, at the UK’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills; and Ms Kate Barker, who currently undertakes a number of senior advisory and non-executive roles, and is a former member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee. 

Treasury Minister, Senator Philip Ozouf commented: “I am pleased that Joly Dixon and Christopher Allsopp have agreed to continue to bring their unique expertise and insight to the Panel. I am equally happy that we have been able to appoint two new members of such a high calibre. I have every confidence that the wealth of experience that Ms Allas and Ms Barker will bring to the Panel will continue to stand us in good stead with independent, clear, informed and credible advice."