More staff to cope with Brexit

Thursday 27 October 2016

Jersey’s Treasury Minister has approved the spending of a further £400,000 over the next two years as part of the Island’s preparations for a post-Brexit world.

The money’s coming from an existing source the EPGDP – the Economic and Productivity Growth Drawdown Provision – which according to the States is one of a number of initiatives to stimulate economic growth. It currently stands at £20m, to be distributed over the next four years.

Senator Alan Maclean says the funding will be used by the Department for Community and Constitutional Affairs – formerly the Home Affairs Department – to employ three full time members of staff as “backfill” so more experienced workers can be released to take on more challenging tasks.

The Department for Community and Constitutional Affairs is responsible for Customs and Immigration, the Police, Fire and Prison services. The States say the extra staff are needed “in order that the best interests of the Island can be taken forward in relation to borders, migration, citizenship, passports, single market in goods and the Common Travel Area (CTA).”

The new workers will be employed for two years, or less, if the project is completed ahead of schedule. It’s not clear what jobs they’ll be backfilling. But an advertisement has already appeared on the States job site for an External Relations Communications Manager, with a pay packet of up to £50,000. It’s possible that job will go to a current member of staff, leaving a gap that needs filling for the duration of the two-year contract.

Again, according to the States jobs website: “...the successful candidate [for the job of External Relations Communications Manager] will create, implement and oversee communications activity within the Ministry of External Relations, including extensive use of social media, to effectively promote Jersey’s international identity and protect its external interests. They will be responsible for coordination activity across government to ensure a joined-up and cohesive communications approach to External Relations issues.”

According to Senator Maclean Jersey is already ahead of the game when it comes to preparing for life post Brexit. A special planning unit has already been established and is keeping abreast of events. But he says it needs to be nibble and react quickly as events unfold. “There are still a lot of unknowns”, he says. It’s hoped the re-deployment of resources and the employment of extra temporary staff will aid the process.