Hundreds join Jersey anti-cuts protest

Unions have called for a "progressive and fairer tax system that benefits the majority of the population"

Hundreds of Jersey States workers have joined a march against spending plans and cuts to services and jobs.

The march by about 1,500 workers in St Helier was organised by trade unions as the States prepares to debate the proposed cuts on Tuesday.

The union Unite said the cuts were to make Jersey "more attractive as a tax haven for the rich and powerful".

Ministers say they have to close a £145m budget shortfall by 2019 and the plans are "fair and balanced".

Unions have called for a "progressive and fairer tax system that benefits the majority of the population".

Unions fear cuts of 500 jobs from the 6,000-strong wokforce

Unite regional officer Nick Corbel said: "We are faced with swingeing cuts to the public sector workforce, perhaps 500 jobs going from a 6,000-strong workforce.

"Services that can be easily privatised and outsourced will be. Charges for such series as sewerage will be introduced and even the free television licence for the over-75s will be withdrawn. Long-term pay freezes would be imposed."

Chief Minister, Senator, Ian Gorst said: "Staff salaries account for some 50% of public sector spending and we must manage these costs effectively.

"Departments are considering how they can use technology and do things differently before replacing staff who leave. In this way we can minimise the need for redundancies and put funds into the front line.

"We recognise that these are unsettling times, but every organisation must improve and we will continue to work with unions on the most effective way to modernise public services."