The government has confirmed a £2.5 million base funding package for the Jersey Employment Trust next year, after months of uncertainty over the charity’s long-term financial position.

In January, all 38 jobs at JET were placed “at risk” after the government indicated it would not continue providing top-up funding beyond an agreed £1.9 million base grant.

Although funding for 2026 was later maintained at £2.7 million following public pressure, fears remained over the charity’s longer-term future.

Around half of its 550 clients were thought to be at risk of losing support, while a petition calling for financial security for JET gathered more than 5,000 signatures within days.

JET had argued that the £1.9 million baseline was insufficient to sustain its services, noting that additional funding had been required in previous years to meet demand.

As part of efforts to secure a longer-term solution, the charity was asked to produce a detailed business plan to support future budget bids.

The Chief Minister confirmed the £2.5 million allocation for 2027 will serve as a baseline for future funding, while also forming part of wider discussions about how services could evolve.

Deputy Lyndon Farnham said: “The Jersey Employment Trust provides valuable support to islanders, helping people access opportunities and live more independent lives.

“This funding gives JET greater certainty to plan ahead and continue its important work.”

JET chair Dan Perkins welcomed the announcement, describing it as a vital milestone for both the organisation and those it supports.

“We are particularly grateful to the Chief Minister and his team for securing this outcome,” he said.

“This commitment provides important certainty for the islanders we support and for our staff, allowing us to plan ahead with confidence.”

It comes just two weeks after Social Security Minister Lyndsay Feltham said she could not commit to funding for the charity beyond 2026 due to political and budget constraints, stressing that any further support would depend on future budget decisions.

“Given the forthcoming elections, and the annual budgeting process, it is not possible for me as minister to agree funding above the base grant beyond 2026,” she explained.

Any future financial support above the agreed baseline would instead depend on the next government’s budget decisions, added Deputy Feltham.