Nurses 'lured' by tax-free status

by **Digger** on Sat 31 May 2008, 9:10 pm

Guernsey has apologised to Jersey for an advert
encouraging nurses to work in the Bailiwick, by promoting the lack of a
Goods and Service Tax (GST).
The advert, saying Welcome to Guernsey - a GST-free zone, was
placed in a local Jersey newspaper by Guernsey's Health and Social
Services Department. Jersey's health boss said the advert breached an understanding between the islands not to poach staff.
Guernsey said the advert "slipped through the system in error".
The advert said: "Move to Guernsey and you won't have to pay GST on goods. In fact, we'll tax you in all the right ways.
"So if you're a nurse with acute experience or experience in other
specialities, why not swap the GST for something a little more taxing
and a little more fun." The States of Jersey introduced a 3% tax on most goods sold in
the island at the beginning of May to raise money to pay for government
services. Health Minister Senator Ben Shenton said he was "surprised" by the advert .
A Guernsey health spokesperson said the advertisement had been
placed without the knowledge or approval of either the board or its
senior management. "It is certainly not the department's policy to compete
against Jersey for staff or to issue statements criticising Jersey's
taxation policies. "The department fully apologises to Jersey's health authorities for this error."
Personal apology
Guernsey Health Minister Hunter Adam said both islands faced the
same recruitment challenges and difficulties and a good working
relationship existed. In a statement, the minister said: "We have an informal
understanding that the islands will not actively compete against each
other in the manner of this unfortunate advertisement. "I can therefore only apologise to Senator Shenton and his
staff on behalf of the department for this error and can assure Jersey
that this department would wish to disown the sentiments expressed in
the advertisement." Mr Adam said he would contact Mr Shenton to apologise personally.

One question who placed the advert and didn't anyone check it.