Minister faces fresh criticism over workers' rights comments

Friday, 6 November 2026 at 09:12

Jersey's Economic Development Minister has sought to clarify comments that have drawn criticism about economic growth and workers' rights.

In a BBC interview Deputy Gerald Voisin said giving workers more rights 'has to take second place' if is at the cost of economic growth.

It's very nice to be able to give workers greater rights, but if it's doing that at the cost of economic growth, then I think it has to take second place for the time being."

The Minister went on to explain that employers often reduce hours or headcount if labour costs become too high.

Reform Jersey says it rejects the suggestion that protecting workers and growing the economy are competing objectives.

It has accused Value Jersey, the political movement that supported Deputy Voisin's election to the States Assembly, of 'hijacking Government policy.. to put business interests in tension with workers' rights.'

The ED Minister later sought to clarify his comments, which he said had been 'reported out of context', adding the the government needs to 'find the right balance' when it come to new regulation.

He explained he does not believe economic growth 'should ever come at the expense of workers' rights'.

It's the second time in three months Deputy Gerald Voisin has sparked controversy.

He had to apologise back in August for remarks about the minimum wage strangling the economy.

READ: Economic Development Minister apologises for minimum wage comments

The Chief Minister admonished him for not following ministerial process and issued a public reassurance that his government had no plans to abolish minimum wage laws.