Key worker exemption certificates

Summary

The request sought to identify which departments were responsible for wording, vetting, and amending Key Worker Exemption certificates issued in June 2020, specifically regarding the 'Jersey businessmen' case. The Cabinet Office responded that it issued the documents with input from relevant departments and confirmed that wording changes were made on 18 June 2020.

Key Facts

• The Cabinet Office issued Key Worker Exemption documents with input from relevant departments.
• The Cabinet Office issued the documents on behalf of the relevant departments for vetting purposes.
• The Chief Minister described the original exemptions issued to four Jersey businessmen as not fit for purpose.
• Wording changes to the exemption documents were implemented on 18 June 2020.
• The Information Commissioner's Office outcome for this case was 'Not upheld'.

Data Disclosed

• 1568637
• 2020-11-23
• 2020-12-21
• 27 November 2020
• 18 June 2020
• June 2020
• 4 men
• Emergency Powers Act 1936
• Freedom of Information Act 2015

Original Request

1. Which Department was responsible for the wording of Key Worker Exemptions used by the Cabinet Office for the month of June 2020? 2. Which Department was responsible for vetting the said documents to ensure they complied with the relevant Regulations made under the Emergency Powers Act 1936? 3. In Tynwald, the Chief Minister, referring to advice given by the Attorney General, described the Key Worker Exemptions issued to the 4 men also referred to as the Jersey businessmen, as being effectively not fit for purpose. He stated the wording of such Exemptions had been changed. a). Which Department was responsible for such changes and b) what date that such change was made?

Data Tables (5)

Full Response Text

Government Office Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3PN Telephone: (+44) 01624 686244 Website: www.gov.im/co

Our ref: 1568637 27 November 2020

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 23 November 2020 and which states:

"1. Which Department was responsible for the wording of Key Worker Exemptions used by the Cabinet Office for the month of June 2020? 2. Which Department was responsible for vetting the said documents to ensure they complied with the relevant Regulations made under the Emergency Powers Act 1936? 3. In Tynwald, the Chief Minister, referring to advice given by the Attorney General, described the Key Worker Exemptions issued to the 4 men also referred to as the Jersey businessmen, as being effectively not fit for purpose. He stated the wording of such Exemptions had been changed. a). Which Department was responsible for such changes and b) what date that such change was made?"

Our response to your request is as follows: 1. Which Department was responsible for the wording of Key Worker Exemptions used by the Cabinet Office for the month of June 2020? Cabinet Office issued the documents with input from the relevant Departments. 2. Which Department was responsible for vetting the said documents to ensure they complied with the relevant Regulations made under the Emergency Powers Act 1936? Cabinet Office issued the documents on behalf of the relevant Departments. 3. In Tynwald, the Chief Minister, referring to advice given by the Attorney General, described the Key Worker Exemptions issued to the 4 men also referred to as the Jersey businessmen, as being effectively not fit for purpose. He stated the wording of such Exemptions had been changed. a) Which Department was responsible for such changes Cabinet Office with input from the relevant Departments. and b) what date that such change was made? The date the change was made is 18 June 2020.

Changes to make the documents more clear were implemented as soon as the issue was highlighted. All aspects of the exemption process have continued to be reviewed and improved. Please quote the reference number 1568637 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded. If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi. I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely