Surge in demand for employment relations service

Jersey Advisory and Conciliation Service urges more training for managers

Jersey's employment relations service has reported a significant increase in demand for its services after recent employment law changes.

In 2024, the Jersey Advisory and Conciliation Service (JACS) was approached nearly 11,200 times, a 16% rise from the previous year, according to its annual report.

The service links the rise to the abolition of the trainee rate of pay, new parental bereavement leave, and settled hours rights.

The report said complex discrimination claims, especially involving hidden disabilities and mental health issues, also contributed.

Chairwoman Hilary Griffin said: "Lack of training for managers is the single biggest cause of escalating disability claims.

"I would urge employers to focus on educating their managers in this regard."

JACS remains a trusted source of employment advice, she said.

"The focus now for JACS moving forward is how to reach and educate particular sectors of the workforce where employers continue to unnecessarily put themselves and their businesses at risk by falling foul of the most basic of employment rights," she said.