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Jersey saw a net loss of around 2,000 Jersey-born or qualified people of working age in 2021 and 2022, according to new figures.
The number of people with Entitled or Entitled to work status that left the island outstripped those who came in by 910 in 2022 – a similar level to 2021 (940), according to figures published by Statistics Jersey this morning.
The number of net leavers in 2021 and 2022 was around the same as the previous four years combined.
Net migration for people with Licensed status was also at its highest in 2022 compared to the previous five years. 300 Licensed status people moving to Jersey over and above the number that left.
Around 140 people over the age of 64 left during this time – double the number in the previous four years. There were also more deaths than births for the first time since 1983.
Pictured: Incomers v leavers broken down by group between 2017 and 2022. (Statistics Jersey)
However, the overall population stayed relatively stable last year – in part balanced out by an influx of 850 registered workers. It was estimated to stand at 103,200.
Statistics Jersey's latest report doesn't examine individuals’ reasons for departure – but numerous leavers have spoken about the cost-of-living crisis as being key in their decision-making.
The hospitality and retail industries in particular also reported issues with staff retention arising from Brexit and later covid.
The continuing trend of qualified leavers may spell trouble for the island, with the Government already having acknowledged skills shortages in certain areas of the economy.
A previous report estimated that Jersey would need a population of 150,000 people by 2040 in order to maintain the living standards that all islanders enjoy.
You can read the latest report from Statistics Jersey in full here.
Entitled – Someone who has lived in Jersey for 10 years, and can buy, sell or lease a property. They can work anywhere and don’t need permission to be employed.
Licensed – Someone who is considered an ‘essential employee’. They can buy, sell or lease any property apart from first-time buyer or social rented housing. Employers need permission to employ a licensed person.
Entitled for work – Someone who has lived in Jersey for five consecutive years or is married to someone Entitled or Licensed. They can buy property jointly with that spouse or partner and don’t need permission to be employed.
Registered – Someone who does not qualify under the other categories, who can lease a registered property. Employers require permission for this type of worker.
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