States spending ‘must be contained’

Chamber members believe that more could be done, and sooner, to cut costs and manpower, and they warn that unless prices are kept at a competitive level there is a strong likelihood that smaller retailers will go out of business.The Finance and Economics Committee’s proposals were outlined to invited members of the business community on Monday, following a presentation to politicians.Chamber president Bob Hassell said that although the committee was right to suggest that States employees’ pay should be brought into line with revenue forecasts – reducing the pay provision by £1 million next year – more assertive strategies were needed.