Charity gets £2.5m government funding for 2027

Dan WareingChannel Islands
News imageBBC The Jersey Employment Trust sign is emblazoned on a window in black text.BBC
Jersey Employment Trust said the funding would provide certainty for islanders

A charity's bosses say they can "plan ahead with confidence" after being promised millions of pounds in government funding.

Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham announced Jersey Employment Trust (JET), which helps people with disabilities and long-term health conditions learn new skills and find jobs, would receive a £2.5m base budget in 2027.

In January, JET said 38 jobs were at risk after it was told by officials additional grants would not be available.

But following criticism from the charity's supporters, ministers agreed to maintain funding while longer-term support was discussed.

"We are particularly grateful to the Chief Minister and his team for securing this outcome," said Dan Perkins, chairman of JET.

"The recognition of both the importance of JET's work and the realities of delivering these services today has been critical.

"This commitment provides important certainty for the islanders we support and for our staff, allowing us to plan ahead with confidence."

Farnham said JET provided valuable support to islanders and the funding would help the charity continue its "important work".

He added: "It establishes a base funding level going forward and it also supports ongoing discussions across the government about how services can be developed and strengthened in the future."

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