Jobs to go in Jersey
Jersey Post has announced that it will shed up to 80 jobs. The company, along with the Communication Workers Union (CWU), has announced they need to introduce changes to its workforce if the organisation is to remain competitive, commercially viable and continue to provide an important postal service for the island’s community in the future.
In working towards these changes to help the organisation reduce its costs, a four-year voluntary redundancy (VR) scheme, is being offered to staff. The changes will result in a new staffing profile for the postal operation, including new processes and roles being introduced in preparation for future opportunities. The changes are to be phased in and will be completed by the end of 2013, and will include VR opportunities for up to 80 staff over the same time period.
Pete Donaghy of the CWU said: “Although redundancies are a by-product of these changes, these redundancies are being dealt with in an open, fair and manageable way.”
Both Jersey Post and the CWU expressed that the key principle to achieving long-term sustainability was the continuation of close partnership working between the union and management at all stages, from development of business strategy, through to implementing operational changes.
Ian Carr, managing director of Jersey Post’s postal business said: “We are experiencing fundamental change to our business, as the dynamics of the postal market are reshaping it, and key to a successful future is embracing that change. Our success will be built on clear strategic vision and the important partnership we have with our staff and the CWU.
“Change is not new to us. This is just another stage in the journey we have been on with our staff and union for some time. I am confident our plans and this approach will take us forward to a sustainable future, delivering value to our staff, customers and shareholder”.
Donaghy added: “The CWU is keen to ensure that the services and products offered by Jersey Post to its customers continue to be the best available, maintaining professionalism, quality and efficiency. With the interests of our members at heart we want them to share in any success that change brings through these negotiations. We are confident that the objectives and agreement that we will achieve during these negotiations will secure ongoing employment and long-term sustainability for Jersey Post and our members.”
The changes announced focus on reducing the existing cost of the postal infrastructure. The Jersey Post Group will continue to embrace other new opportunities as emerging technologies change the shape of the communications market, and the on-line shopping revolution continues to grow the logistics and distribution markets.
