Firm 'victim of full employment'

Guernsey's Board of Industry says the relocation of a Guernsey-based manufacturer in the UK is due the fact the island is currently enjoying full employment.

The Board says it is disappointing to see a company which has been based in Guernsey for so long leaving the island.

Vapormatt, which manufactures specialist cleaning equipment, will transfer its operation to the south west of England in the next six months.

Managing Director, Terry Ashworth, blames the island's overblown economy saying the States, and its spending policy, must take some responsibility for his company's difficulties.

Transfer jobs

"I think the States policy needs to be changed if they want to maintain small manufacturers like us on the island," said Mr Ashworth.

The Board of Industry concedes that Guernsey is currently a difficult place to find quality staff, especially with the current state of the building industry.

Mr Ashworth said some jobs may be transferred to the UK, where the company will continue to offer its services to customers.