Hello all
It has been a busy start to autumn for the CGi and we can update you on the latest news and developments.
General election
Firstly, Clive is standing as a candidate in next month’s Island-wide election and it was agreed at our committee meeting on Monday that if I am elected, then I would relinquish my position as Chairman.
If this is the case, Alan Rowe, a long term committee member, will take up the role as interim Chairman and the CGi would then undertake a process of selecting a new person to become Chair on a permanent basis.
Clive has have been in this role for three years and intends to remain on the committee. If elected, he will use his position to continue to promote the best interests of small and medium businesses on the Island.
Anti-discrimination law
Secondly, the States agreed in the summer to implement a unique style of ADL legislation which because of its uniqueness will be more challenging to be drafted into law and in particular how it can be implemented due to this uniqueness. The G4 had lobbied that the legislation should be modelled on Jersey legislation which would make implementation more straight forward as guidance, precedent and other practical aspects of the Jersey experience could be factored into Guernsey’s laws.
Some concessions have been gained following the numerous meetings and representations with ourselves and the other G4 members. The business groups will be included in the process of drafting and review of the proposed legislation and the preparation of Guidance Notes as to how legislation should be interpreted and implemented.
The new laws are coming and will bring far reaching implications, particularly for small and medium sized businesses, so preparation for the new laws will need to start now. The CGi will support you through this with a programme of education and guidance to help you navigate your way through.
Probably the biggest hazard to employers is failing to appreciate the scope of the new laws and allowing breaches to occur through default or ignorance, for which there will be no defence. Whilst the potential for sanctions to be costly in terms of fines, the cost of reputational damage could be greater.
Minimum wage
Finally, thank you all for your comments on the proposal put by the Committee for Employment & Social Security to increase the minimum wage in 2021 and 2022. Our response to Deputy Michelle Le Clerc was categoric and simple – now is absolutely not the right time to be asking local businesses to accept an increase in their cost base.