Alderney economy 'too fragile' for employment law

This follows calls for more protection by Unite the union after one of its members was allegedly sacked from the Royal Connaught Care Home without any right of appeal or to seek an unfair dismissal claim at tribunal, as in Guernsey.

'I personally explored Alderney law and was pretty disgusted that people on the island don't have some form of protection,' said Unite regional officer Bob Lanning, pictured.

'Without a proper process the only course of action available to companies would be to rely on industrial strength – that doesn't really apply to one person sacked unfairly from a small care home.'

Mr Lanning said he would be travelling to the island to investigate what action could be pursued through its civil court.

Policy and Finance Committee chairman Francis Simonet said extending Guernsey employment laws to Alderney would not necessarily benefit either individuals or the island.

'The employment law would add to the costs of small businesses in a fragile micro-economy. The costs of tribunals can be high. Most businesses only employ two or three people,' he said.