Born in Jersey, educated at JCG on a scholarship. Journalism graduate from John Moores University and worked within banking and insurance since my return. For the past four years I have worked as a recruitment manager and have had extensive exposure to a variety of individuals from those on minimum wage to company directors.

I know the issues and believe I have a good understanding of current concerns within the employment market in Jersey.

Policies 

As a member of Reform Jersey we believe that there are five key issues in need of immediate attention:

  • Cost of living
  • Employment
  • Fair taxation
  • Population & housing
  • States reform

 

Cost of living; raising minimum wage

Minimum wage is currently 13p per hour more than that in the UK. This equates to less than 2% uplift which is not comparable to our cost of living being, on average, at least 20% more.

An individual working full time on minimum wage cannot afford accommodation, food and other necessary living expenses in Jersey so relies on Income Support to fill the gap. Taxpayers’ money is therefore used to subsidise employers and landlords.

The minimum wage must be raised to reflect the cost of living in Jersey.

I will be voting to increase this and to introduce a ‘living wage’ of around £9 per hour.

Fair taxation 

The £95m deficit created by the Treasury Minister will have to be funded somehow. GST has hit the poorest badly and ’20 means 20’ has put the squeeze on middle earners. Only the wealthy who can most afford it, can and should, contribute a greater share.

I will oppose any further rise in GST

Population control

The interim population policy will see numbers rise to 120,000 and the new hospital is being built to cater for 150,000. The lower figure will need an additional 4,000 homes to be built. Where will they go ? Not on green fields but crammed into the already overpopulated St Helier.

More sustainable targets need to be set and stuck to

Maternity Leave

The States recently rejected a proposal to introduce six months maternity leave, to be paid from the mother’s Social Security contributions, deciding that two weeks was sufficient. Six months is in line with the rest of the Western world.

I will bring back this proposal for 26 weeks ensuring that new mothers are not forced to resign from their jobs when they wish to start a family.

Affordable childcare

Childcare costs are high in Jersey meaning that many mothers wishing to return to work are often prohibited from doing so.

I intend to work to bring about States funded means-tested childcare facilities.

Part-time work

Policies need to be put into place that are family friendly. The UK continues to implement legislation ensuring that those who can only work part-time have full access to the employment market.

We need to do the same here in Jersey so that those wishing to work and contribute to society are given opportunities to do so.