The Unite union has agreed a recognition deal in Guernsey with the St John Ambulance & Rescue Service (SJARS).

The agreement covers 56 staff working for SJARS, and provides sole bargaining for Unite over pay, terms and conditions including working hours and annual leave.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "I'm delighted our members at St John Ambulance on Guernsey have secured recognition from their employer. They can now fully bank on the support of Unite over jobs, pay and conditions in the future."

As a result of the recognition agreement, Unite reps at SJARS will get paid leave for training on issues like employment rights and health and safety and will be consulted across workplace issues including scheduling, working practices, new technologies, redundancies, business transfers and employee policies.

Unite reps will now be able to support members individually and help with dispute resolution. The deal with SJARS is particularly important as there is no union legislation in Guernsey - all agreements are voluntary. 

Unite regional officer Laura Bichard added: "Winning recognition agreements is always important but especially so in Guernsey which doesn't have the same protections for employees as the UK.

"This agreement has been 15 months in negotiation and our members at SJARS are now secure in the knowledge they are now backed by Unite, the winning trade union." 

Unite will now be continuing negotiations with SJARS over 2026 pay. 

ENDS

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite press officer Natasha Wynarczyk on 07970081524

Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org