A fine handed to the Medical Specialist Group over a long-running employment contract dispute has been reduced significantly.

The issue dates back six years, and centres on a 'no competition' clause that stopped consultants working in the island for five years after leaving the group.

That was challenged by an orthopaedic surgeon, who left the practice to set up his own business in Guernsey.

The Competition and Regulatory Authority found the MSG's actions unfairly restricted competition and therefore violated the law.

It initially imposed a £1.5M fine on the MSG.

Following numerous court challenges, the matter has been settled, with the GCRA issuing a much lower fine, of £96,635.

MSG chair Dr Steve Evans says although the practice disagrees in part with the authority's decision-making process, they won't challenge the final ruling, given the costs of doing so.

He adds that the MSG reduced its no-compete clause itself before the case was brought.

"After a process which has gone on for almost six years, we welcome the fact that the matter is now closed.

“Our motivation throughout this time has been to protect the emergency and elective healthcare services that we provide to the people of Guernsey under our contract with the States.

We are pleased that we can now focus all our efforts on our primary purpose as doctors of improving the health of the community we serve."

The GCRA says it’s ruling ‘ensures professionals in Guernsey have the freedom to innovate and contribute to a thriving local economy.’

”While non-compete clauses can be legitimate in some cases, they often harm economies by limiting job options, suppressing new ideas, and making it harder for startups to succeed. This also keeps wages low and slows economic growth.”