This Is Guernsey

By Nick Mann

SPECSAVERS has admitted that a limited number of jobs might be lost from Guernsey to its new premises in Nottingham.

The news comes after someone claiming to be a concerned employee contacted the Guernsey Press after earlier assurances from the company.

‘It is no secret that last year we moved our Nottingham support centre to larger premises. We see this as part of a very positive development, one that ensures we can continue to support and grow our business in an appropriate and dynamic manner,’ said the optical group’s joint managing director, John Perkins.

‘Over the course of time, a limited number of roles may migrate from Guernsey to Nottingham – where it makes sense from an operational perspective and, most importantly, where it ensures that we can continue to provide the fantastic levels of service that our customers expect from us.’

He added that the company always put staff first at its La Villiaze facility.

‘As such, on the rare occasion where a role may migrate, every effort is made to offer alternative employment within the company for any people who may not wish to relocate, although several staff have seized the opportunity to expand their knowledge, skills and experience in a new environment,’ he said.

Mr Perkins did not say how many posts were affected, or whether incentives offered by Nottingham City Council or cheaper salaries were a factor.

But he did reveal that Specsavers has more jobs at La Villiaze than people to fill them.

‘I can reassure islanders that the core of our business remains here in Guernsey and continuing to recruit here is a key factor in our strategy,’ said Mr Perkins. ‘It is still our intention to increase our business to 2,000 stores during the next three years and support services in Guernsey and Nottingham, as well as elsewhere across the globe, will be instrumental in this.’

Article posted on 3rd March, 2009 - 1.00pm