Why do we not have proper redundancy laws? And other questions for 'wannabe' politicians
I AM the personal assistant to Bob Lanning, who is Unite's regional officer for Guernsey and the south-west of England. As we are all now well aware we are shortly coming up to the elections in Guernsey.
Do our present politicians and future wannabe politicians realise just how many times a week we are faced with a member losing their jobs on this island by way of redundancy with no legislation that forces the company in question to give any type of compensation.
The most recent person was a gentleman aged 60 and he came into our office this morning in a deeply distressed state. He has just been made redundant by a well-known firm in the motor industry and all he gets is his notice pay. Even Jersey employees receive some type of redundancy pay – why are we the poor relation?
Furthermore, I ask, why is it that the States of Guernsey cannot make dentistry and even visiting the GP more affordable for the low paid within our community. Why is Guernsey reliant on something similar to the pre-world war state of England? We regularly get members coming in to see us and the state of their oral health is quite shocking. Many say 'we just can't afford to have our teeth done'. In Guernsey in 2016 this is quite shocking. Come on States of Guernsey, do something to help genuine cases of hardship. Allegedly this is an affluent island.
I ask that members of the public put these questions when they get the knock on the door from prospective deputies and vote with their feet on the day.
MARIANNE PALMER-SMITH,
c/o Unite, Transport House,
Commercial Road,
St Sampson's, GY2 4QP.
