Monday update from Chamber
Another Monday like no other… and not a great one. But mercifully, quite a short briefing tonight. And some new food and drink suggestions at the bottom…
News
Freight
Chamber was both saddened and concerned that PDFS is being wound up, at such a critical time for the island in getting supplies into the island. Our thoughts are with those having lost their jobs at this difficult time, having worked so hard within the business. As many of you will know Chamber has, and is, actively asking for many sectors currently outside of co-funding, to be looked at. We are assured that freight businesses are working with Government departments, but in discussions we have had with these members, they are increasingly frustrated at the exclusions from funding and the time to review whether they can get assistance. One company described this to me this morning as ‘bizarre and ludicrous’ that they were excluded. We have called for expediency from Government in deciding what support it give to our freight companies.
Chamber Transport & Tourism and Retail and Supply Meeting today.
A very helpful meeting between two major Chamber Committees today involving major players in these sectors. The topics and intel covered included:
- The need for Government of Jersey to only spend locally in recovery plans.
- Retail Strategy – where does it go from here.
- Concern over food security and the drop in freight volumes.
- Absenteeism is higher and more costly than ever for some operating but not co-funded.
- Lack of clarity in employers funding for over 65’s who are not able to work
- JHA reports that Government procurement taking too long.
- Concern over the details for Phase 2 funding due out this week.
- Petty debts suspended indefinitely, meaning suppliers not getting paid, limiting cashflow.
- Lack of PPE for shop/supply/delivery staff
- Worry over some not being able to sustain 20% wages to match 80% Government long term
- Collective redundancy could prove costly and damaging
- Clarity over utility bills for businesses
- Some global supplies in 2021 already in doubt
- Local business resource pools needed
- Loss of fuel duties from smaller sales
- Mixed Govt. messaging over who can trade, or not trade
- Advertising revenue has dropped off completely
New support for wellbeing
The Government of Jersey is working with local partners to help empower Islanders to use their time well while Stay at Home measures are in effect.
The ‘Hometime’ Facebook community group will share information, guidance and advice from Mind Jersey, Durrell, Digital Jersey, and a range of health and wellbeing providers. Each week the content will focus on a different theme, including health and wellbeing, learning and Island heritage.
Phase 1 funding
The Jersey Hospitality Association is asking for those who have had issues with Phase 1 of the wage grant scheme, to take 2 minutes to complete the survey below…
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X8YSHKM
Help
ShopJersey.je is a website originally established in 2013 as a joint venture between Webreality and Jersey Post to help connect Jersey consumers with local businesses trading online. After a few years on the shelf it’s been revived with the more acute mission of supporting local businesses in their hour of need. Webreality has added about 60 listings in the past three weeks. If your business can trade online, and isn’t already listed on ShopJersey.je, please use the form on the site to request a listing - https://www.shopjersey.je/submit-business. It’s completely free of charge, and ShopJersey.je posts on Twitter and Facebook to help attract traffic to the site.
Food and Drink
The Liberation Group tell us that even though their pubs and bars are now shut you can still get your hands on your favourite tipple thanks to sister company Victor Hugo. They are offering free local delivery, so you don’t need to miss out on your favourite drinks whilst at home. Order today by calling 01534 764044, email [email protected] or go to our online store. www.victorhugo.je
We’ve noticed that Morrisons will start food delivery boxes from tomorrow midday - https://www.food.je/morrisons Boxes contain a selection of items based on our current availability of products, therefore we are unable to specify exact contents of each box. You will however receive a variety of different foods in each box. Typically this box should feed 2 adults for one week. Same day delivery for orders placed before 11am - Your delivery will arrive between 12pm - 6pm daily (subject to availability of delivery slots) Maximum of 2 x Boxes per order.
Alliance Supermarket has become the first food retailer in the Island to sign up to a special Jersey Consumer Council scheme offering to deliver ‘Bag of Basics’ for a set fee. Teaming up with the Island’s taxi drivers, the Council put the call out for food retailers and suppliers to help provide those Islanders struggling to get to a supermarket or food shop to have a simple bag of supplies delivered to their door. Costing £20 – which includes delivery – the bag is a standard and set group of items that, on average, every household will use. There is no limit on the number of orders, no age or health restrictions and, importantly, no swapping of items. To order a Bag of Basics, which costs £20, Islanders should email [email protected], giving their name, address and telephone number, or call 01534 786746 between the hours of 9.00am and 12.00pm noon, Monday to Friday, beginning from tomorrow, Tuesday 7 April. Payment will be taken over the telephone so that no cash is exchanged. The driver will leave the shopping on the doorstep, knock on the door and return to their vehicle. All necessary health and hygiene precautions will be taken.
https://www.jerseyconsumercouncil.org.je/news/bag-of-basics/
Have a safe evening,
Murray
Murray Norton
Chief Executive
JERSEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE