Prospect says members have been left worse off by a change to a new pension scheme known as CARE, and are requesting compensation. Firefighters are not legally allowed to strike as they are classed as an “essential public service” so firefighters, backed by their union, took their complaint that the SEB had refused to engage with them to an employment tribunal. They were represented in their case by Prospect negotiations officer Bob King. The Employment Tribunal in 2018 ruled in favour of the union and declared that the case should proceed to arbitration.

The SEB sought to appeal but this was initially rejected by the tribunal, so the employer then took their appeal to the Royal Court.

The case was heard on Tuesday 26 March 2019 in the Royal Court with the union represented by Advocate Morley-Kirk at  Viberts. At the end of proceedings Commissioner Clyde-Smith said that he would hand down his decision on the appeal at a later date.

Bob King, Prospect negotiations officer, said:

“I am very disappointed that the States appealed the tribunal judgment.

“These are firefighters, dedicated to public service, and I think they have been treated very shabbily. I am proud of the commitment shown by our members. I would also like to thank our Jersey lawyers, Viberts for their excellent representation.”