Telecom debate to follow review

Money raised by the sale would be put in the States rainy-day fund

A debate on whether to sell off Jersey Telecom will take place in the autumn after a full review is carried out.

The chief minister and the treasury minister agreed to set up a review panel at the suggestion of the Scrutiny Panel, and share the cost.

The Scrutiny Panel wants a full cost-benefit analysis before a decision is made by the States.

The sale of the States-owned business is expected to raise £200m. Critics say it may result in a private monopoly.

If the sale does go ahead, the money raised would be put in the States fund for emergencies.

Jersey Telecom says the sell-off would give the company access to expertise and the benefits of belonging to a bigger telecommunications group.

The union which represents the island's workers is opposed to the sale.

The company employs 437 staff in Jersey and 37 workers in Guernsey.