More than 2,000 Islanders are calling on the government to reverse its decision on funding for a charity described as an “essential social lifeline”.
Launched on Thursday, an e-petition in support of the Jersey Employment Trust gained more than 1,000 signatures overnight – automatically triggering an official response from the relevant minister.
“Cutting funding threatens independence, wellbeing and inclusion”
It follows confirmation that the government will not provide additional top-up funding to the Jersey Employment Trust beyond its core £1.9 million grant this year – a move which put all 38 staff at risk of redundancy and could see more than half of the charity’s 550 clients referred back to government services.
The petition was created by Islander Jamie Cauvain, who said the decision put “vital services that support some of the Island’s most vulnerable members of the community” at risk.
“JET supports people with learning difficulties, disabilities and long-term health conditions to find and keep meaningful employment,” the petition states.
“It also provides an essential social lifeline for individuals who may otherwise face isolation. Cutting funding threatens independence, wellbeing, and inclusion for some of the Island’s most vulnerable people.”
Charities association expresses concern
Under Jersey’s petition system, any petition that gathers more than 1,000 signatures must receive a formal response from a minister, while those exceeding 5,000 signatures can be considered for debate by the States Assembly.
The surge in support comes amid growing concern from service users, families and the charity sector about the impact of the funding decision, with the Association of Jersey Charities warning that vulnerable Islanders risk being “let down” if JET is forced to scale back its services.
Social Security Minister Lyndsay Feltham has said the government is working with JET to agree a “long-term funding commitment”, but the petition’s backers are urging ministers to act now.
In a statement, she said that government had been “in discussions with JET for some time about how best we can support their work going forwards”.
“I know the pressures that charities are facing, and we are working to make sure funding is directed where it is most needed and can make the greatest impact,” she continued.
“If anyone has concerns about their support or would like to talk to a dedicated advisor, please call 447608.”
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