Insights from our President, Adam Budworth, October 2024

Well in advance of Halloween, we are already seeing Christmas decorations and mince pies adorning the shelves across the Island. Is this a sign that time goes by faster as we mature, that the pace of life is ever-increasing or is it the need to sell products and generate revenue is more pressing?

I have been reflecting on the wonderful displays of courage, commitment and bravery at both the Paris Olympics and subsequent Paralympics events. It was a privilege to witness so much resilience, determination and collaboration among the teams competing at the fabulous events.

It is therefore so disturbing to have witness world events on the other side of the scale, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza, catastrophic floods and similar natural disasters and perhaps more alarming that some are taking political matters in their own hands with the violent UK protests following the killing of young children in the North of England. It is distressing to think that there are still so many that believe these tactics will ever overcome issues.

The UK Prime Minister is experiencing backlash as a result some of his party’s actions in an attempt to ‘stabilise and improve’ the economy, particularly in relation to the winter fuel payment cuts. We will have a clearer picture (or hope to) following the UK budget announcement later this month and the impact of those in the UK and crown dependencies.

Locally, bids are being invited on the former social security building on the condition that the site must be developed into completely affordable housing.   We also learned that Government is working with the Jersey Development Company on plans to redevelop the Fort Regent site with the intention that the new site would have ‘something for islanders and visitors alike that is sustainable and practical’.

Despite these potentially positive steps, surely the denial of millions in funding for the Health Department will be a huge setback, particularly in light of reports claiming that the hospital was ‘structurally deteriorating’ with RAAC, asbestos and fire risks listed as some of the main issues. 

Just around the corner is the New Minimum Wage shift. Undoubtedly this will impact many businesses, trying to ensure consistency in pay gaps. We will work closely with Government in encouraging them to consider carefully the details of the support packages they implement to ensure appropriateness and accessibility of funding in all areas.