More people employed by Jersey's public sector than ever before

The number of employees working in Jersey's public sector has increased by 17% in the last five years.

Newly-published Labour Market figures show the island's government now has more people on its payroll than ever before.

That's despite a five-year plan by former States CEO, Charlie Parker, to "streamline" government departments.

The latest figures, released by Statistics Jersey, also showed that private sector jobs had also increased to 54,690 - up 5% over the last five years.

The largest increase in jobs was in hotels, restaurants and bars as well as transport and storage.

The wholesale and retail sector, however, saw a decrease in jobs, down 190 over the past year.

Vice Chair of the States Employment Board, Constable Andy Jehan, said the growth "tends to be on the frontline staff, I think that's where we need the people, certainly on the frontline.

"Going forward, we're going to be looking at technology to actually help us reduce numbers. We've got the move to the new premises which hopefully will also bring us efficiencies."

"But where we need more people in terms of teaching people, caring for people - we absolutely need those people."

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