STAFF turnover is affecting services, Health and Social Services has confirmed.
Board member Mike Hadley (pictured) has called for more 15-year licences to solve recruitment problems, although the department has been quick to distance itself from his view and stress its good working relationship with Housing.
One of the problems is caused by those on a five-year licence leaving early.
‘They will, understandably, be preparing for their departure some time in advance. In doing so, they may find employment elsewhere which requires them to start there before their time is up here and so they may indeed leave us after only three or four years,’ said a department spokesman.
‘High turnover of staff does have an effect on services, as it takes time to induct new staff – particularly in areas such as mental health and children’s services, where local legislation differs from that in the UK.’
The department does have difficulties recruiting and retaining staff in several areas, he admitted.
The reasons include:
- pay perceived to compare unfavourably with the private sector
- restrictions imposed by housing licences
- the cost of housing in Guernsey.
‘Fifteen-year licences are requested only when it is impossible to recruit on shorter licences.’
This may be because some people are unwilling to move to Guernsey knowing that they will not be able to stay permanently.
The spokesman declined to give an annual relocation cost but said that it could be up to £75,000 to recruit someone, including advertising, interviewing, removal expenses and assistance with house rental or purchase.
‘Five-year licences do increase turnover, although the annual total costs will vary,’ said the spokesman.
‘Relocation for senior staff, such as doctors, is a problem – largely because of the difference in house prices. What they have for a certain price in most areas of the UK is very different from what they can get for the same price in Guernsey.’
The department currently employs four locum doctors to provide long-term cover.
‘At various times through the year, other locums are providing short-term cover for annual leave or sickness. The cost of employing these locums can be higher than having permanent employees, as a doctor’s salary is affected by seniority and also because of agency fees for arranging those locums.’
Article posted on 4th September, 2008 - 2.29pm
One Article Comment
I agree with Deputy Hadley that recruitment and retention is costing the island an absolute fortune – at least in the public sector. I am not sure that we need to offer more 15 year licences as they tend to be given to senior staff who, although one would hope, bring experience not available on island is not always the case. They used to be given to more junior staff who were able to provide many years of future service should they decide to stay – that stopped years ago. The other question is if the senior staff are so good at their jobs and experienced in the UK then why on earth would they want to leave their job and come to Guernsey? Is it because they relish the chance to live on a beautiful island with low crime levels and a high quality of life or Is it because they get increased enhancements over local staff which includes housing allowances and relocation packages? Is this one of the main reasons why local staff who are living in the UK do not apply – because they are not entitled to the same package? I know this is true because one of my friends wanted to return to the island but were informed they would only be reimbursed the boat fare! Other staff get all their furniture removals paid for, housing allowance for 3 years and other bonuses.
I would rather see staff come with 5 year licences and if they prove themselves to be excellent then be offered a 15 year licence. The population doesn’t change – we are replacing one worker with another one – although most senior post holders have families.
There is little succession planning in the public sector – there is no money and anyway, do turkeys ever vote for Xmas? If you have someone who is after a 15 year licence are they going to train a local person to take over so that they will no longer be needed – of course not! Are managers with decreasing budgets going to pay for 2 people to do one job – NO!
The States needs to discuss this again – housing licencing laws are very complex and are not transparent. Who proves that a company has actually tried to employ local staff but not found anyone suitable – are they given names etc. I have heard of well trained and fully qualified local residents who have been turned down for jobs (sometimes not even given an interview) to discover in a few months that someone has been brought it from the UK – usually friends of people already working for the the company.
It is a very complex situation and again needs to be discussed and perhaps the laws changed.
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