Charity Christmas Wishes: Jersey Employment Trust

Thursday 29 December 2022

With many local businesses struggling to fill vacancies, the Jersey Employment Trust says it has an untapped pool of talent just waiting to be discovered.

At the end of every year, Express speaks to local charities about what their Christmas wishes are for the year ahead.

Today, the Jersey Employment Trust kicks off the 2022/23 series...

"2022 was a big year for the Jersey Employment Trust as it celebrated its 20th anniversary. Registered as a charity in March 2002, it helps people who have a disability or long-term health condition secure and sustain work.

Together with its social enterprise and training centre, Acorn it supports more than 500 people through its services.

A real highlight of the year was its 20th anniversary conference at the L’Horizon Beach Hotel at the end of April, with the BBC’s Security Correspondent Frank Gardner being the keynote speaker (pictured top). It was also a time to celebrate the charity’s partnerships with employers and agencies, with 10 awards being given out.

Pictured: Acorn's new purpose-built Reuse donations centre.

Another significant milestone for Acorn was the opening of a new purpose-built Reuse donations centre, thanks to Government of Jersey Fiscal Stimulus funding. It was a huge project which now provides more jobs and training opportunities.

The employment landscape is always changing and employers are finding it challenging to fill vacancies in pretty much every industry. JET has an untapped pool of talent just waiting to be discovered.

The increased cost of living is making it tough for everyone.

JET is currently looking for 20 pledges of £4,000 to cover the cost of three projects, all of which fund work and training for Islanders who have a disability or long-term health condition.

Pictured: Penny Shurmer in the new Reuse donations centre.

Executive officer, Penny Shurmer said: ‘We weren’t anticipating needing to do this but with the rising cost of living and the need to establish two projects in the new Acorn Reuse donations centre, we are asking if businesses or individuals can help. This funding would carry us through into 2023 with the security that we can action three projects and your support will have made a difference to people’s lives."

The projects are scrap metal recycling, refurbishing bikes, and work in the 14-21 service preparing young people in schools for the world of work.

If we could have three wishes for 2023, it would be:

• employers, can you ask yourself how you can offer a more supportive environment? How can you adapt and be flexible? Could you have a first conversation with us to find out more?
• If you are having a diversity and inclusion conversation at work, or holding an event, please include us. For us, diversity is including people with disabilities – and we have 20 years’ experience in the field.
• With Acorn in mind, ‘think before you throw’. What can be reused? Where can you buy second-hand? The ‘buy nothing new’ mentality should apply all year round, not just to a single awareness day.

If you think can help, please email caroline.spencer@jet.co.je."