Job cut plans criticised by union

Jersey Water proposals would put 20 jobs at risk

Plans to cut 20 jobs at Jersey Water have been described as "unacceptable" by the Unite union.

The water company is proposing changes to its mains laying and service connection work in the island.

But Nick Corbel, regional Unite spokesman, said: "It makes no sense to make people redundant when the company is making a profit."

Howard Snowden, the firm's managing director, said: "We have to generate profits to invest in infrastructure."

There's never a good time for this sort of thing Howard Snowden, Jersey Water

Announcing the proposals last week, the water company admitted the changes would put 20 jobs at risk, but insisted there would be an "improved operational efficiency".

Potentially affected staff were reassured they would be given compensation and help to find new jobs.

But Mr Corbel, who has written to Jersey politicians outlining his concerns, said: "The company is buoyant according to the accounts.

"There is no requirement in our view to make any redundancies whatsoever.

"You can't just dump your own staff. What Jersey Water is doing is throwing 20 workers on to the street in order to maintain the same operation at a cheaper cost.

"We were given no notice of these redundancies."

'Shocked staff'

The union is now calling for the job cuts to be withdrawn.

Mr Snowden said: "We are changing a fixed cost with a variable cost.

"By using a contractor we can switch on and off the costs far easier than you can with direct labour costs."

Responding to criticism about the timing of the potential job losses, in the run up to Christmas, Mr Snowden said: "There's never a good time for this sort of thing.

"It has shocked the staff but morale is still ok."

Jersey Water told BBC News that consultation discussions about the plans are continuing.