Over the years, the Jersey Rights Association (JRA) has quietly lobbied to establish Rights that were lacking in Jersey, Rights which were granted in the UK. We cannot claim any credit that these Rights were introduced as a result of our lobbying, yet several goals which we had set ourselves have been achieved. You can see here, our original leaflet which listed some of the lack of Rights at the time.

To the right is the original text from 1990, which was on the reverse of this leaflet. This text is no longer accurate, see "The JRA Now", below.

WE CAN HELP YOU. COME AND JOIN THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST SOCIAL INJUSTICE. The Jersey Rights Association was set up in 1990 by a group of local residents who were upset by the denial of some important basic rights: rights which are taken for in many other countries. Since that time the Association has held frequent discussions with States Committees and many states Members on such topics as HOUSING, IMMIGRATION, UNEMPLOYMENT, THE LAW, MATERNITY RIGHTS, THE ENVIRONMENT and ELECTORAL REFORM and has taken up the cases of many individuals. The J.R.A. is now so well respected that the States of Jersey often invites the Association's comments on policy proposals. We hold open meetings and invite well known personalities to speak and answer questions. We have had our successes; nevertheless many glaring abuses still exist: UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT DOES NOT EXIST AND IT IS ENTIRELY UP TO THE PARISH CONSTABLE HOW MUCH WELFARE BENEFIT ONE RECEIVES. THERE IS NO ENTITLEMENT TO WELFARE BENEFIT UNTIL A PERSON HAS LIVED IN JERSEY FOR FIVE YEARS. THERE IS NO ENTITLEMENT TO REINSTATEMENT AFTER MATERNITY LEAVE. THERE IS NO RIGHT TO REDUNDANCY PAY. THERE IS NO APPEAL FOR THE INDIVIDUAL AGAINST UNFAIR DISMISSAL. YOU CANNOT LEASE OR BUY A HOME UNTIL YOU HAVE LIVED IN JERSEY FOR 20 CONSECUTIVE YEARS. THERE IS NO RENT REBATE SCHEME FOR THE RESIDENTIALLY UNQUALIFIED, EVEN IF UNEMPLOYED. In order to further our campaign, the J.R.A. always needs more members. The more members we have, the more effectively we can represent your views. A visiting speaker recently remarked, "In terms of Human Rights, Jersey is 30 years behind the times".

When the JRA was formed in 1990, many Rights which exist today were not even on the drawing board! These include:

Rehabilitation of Offenders. This means that ex prisoners records are wiped are several years, instead of remaining on file permanently as was previously the case. The JRA is proud to have played a significant part in bringing this about!

Maternity Leave. Unfortunately, there is still no law entitling mothers to Maternity Leave. However, good practice now encourages employers to allow women who have been employed for at least one year maternity leave, either with or without pay. Their job will be held for them after having a baby and time off, along with any other contractual benefits (except pay). We are assured that this issue will be addressed soon, to ensure this right is made into Law.

Redundancy Pay. Again, there is no Right under the Law to receive redundancy pay should a worker be made redundant. However, there is an obligation for the employer to give Notice to an Employee which must meet the terms prescribed in the Termination of Employment provisions in the contract. Good practice also stipulates that a worker being made redundant should be allowed time off for interviews and so on. We are advised that a recommendation on this issue will shortly be forthcoming from the Forum set up to look into this matter.

Unfair Dismissal. Workers can now claim for Unfair Dismissal (and quite a few have and succeeded).

Housing Qualifications (Qualies) In the late 1970's-early1980's, the States had decreed that no-one coming to the Island would ever be able to Lease or Buy a home in their own right. Then, in the mid 80's, the 20 year rule was introduced which meant that newcomers had to stay for 20 consecutive years and then they would achieve their qualies. Gradually, this period has been reduced to 12 years which is an achievement.

The JRA would still like this period to be lower but with the addition of "Banking of Years". This means that this qualifying period need not be consecutive, because we feel that people get trapped into staying to achieve their qualies. For example, if people are here for 8 years, they feel they have to stay for another 5 to achieve their qualies. This forces people to stay who might otherwise leave, just to achieve their qualies.

Nevertheless, some Rights still need to be achieved (see Home page) and so we are still trying to introduce them. To do this, we need help and if you would like to help, why not consider joining us? After all, the more members we have, to more pressure we can exert and the more successes we can achieve.

We are sure there are other problems which should be addressed. If you are aware of anything you think we should be looking at, please let us know, by email, telephone or letter. All information is treated with the strictest confidence. You do not have to be a member to draw our attention to a problem, but please note that we do not undertake individual complaints. Rather, we research the case to see if there is a widespread problem which needs addressing.

The JRA is a voluntary group with limited resources and exists upon the income from subscriptions and donations. We receive no money from the States although we appreciate help many States employees give freely. If you would like to make a donation, please send it to our address above or click the link below; it will be gratefully received and your donation will be anonymous unless you request otherwise.