The future of funding for the Jersey Employment Trust beyond this year remains uncertain despite ongoing talks to secure a longer-term solution, the Social Security Minister has confirmed.
Deputy Lyndsay Feltham said that while discussions with the charity were continuing, she could not commit to any additional funding beyond 2026 at this stage.
It comes after the government confirmed it would maintain JET’s funding at £2.7 million for this year, following public concern over the charity’s financial position.
In January, all 38 jobs at the charity were put “at risk” after the government said that additional top-up funding beyond an agreed £1.9 million would not be provided.
JET had argued that the £1.9m was insufficient for the work it had been doing, claiming that additional funds had been provided by the government for several years.
The move sparked outrage amid fears that around half of the charity’s 550 clients could be affected, while an online petition calling on the government to secure JET’s financial future passed 5,000 signatures within days.
In an update provided this week, Deputy Feltham said she, alongside the Chief Minister, had already held meetings with JET representatives.
“Officers have continued to work with JET to move towards a sustainable funding model going forwards,” she added.
However, Deputy Feltham made clear that political and budgetary constraints limit what can be agreed in advance.
“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 will instead depend on the next government’s budget decisions.
Deputy Feltham confirmed that “a bid will need to be included as part of the 2027 budget process” if additional funding is to be secured.
As part of preparations for that process, JET has been asked to produce a detailed business plan by June this year to inform any case for further government support.