Notice periods for redundancy could increase

Max Andrews believes the current minimum notice periods in Jersey are too short

People who are made redundant in Jersey could be guaranteed a longer minimum period of notice, under plans from a St Helier deputy.

Max Andrews said some people who lose their jobs have to dip into savings, sell assets or borrow money to meet their living expenses.

He believes the current minimum notice periods are too short.

States Members are due to vote on his proposal next month.

Current regulations mean that people are entitled to one week's notice if their time in the job is two years or less.

The proposals would increase the notice in those cases to four weeks.

Other notice periods would also rise under the proposal, on a scale up to 12 weeks if the employee’s period of continuous employment is eight years or more.

Mr Andrews said: "I believe the current notice periods are too short in most cases as people will reasonably make financial decisions and commitments based on a regular salary.

"Losing employment with just a week’s notice may lead to individuals having to deplete savings, sell assets, or borrow money to meet personal debt obligations and living expenses."