Should Jersey follow Guernsey on population control?

Friday 10 March 2017

While Jersey has no population policy, Guernsey has gone to the other extreme and published a list of exactly which jobs it will allow 'non-locals' to fill.

After six months of consultations with local businesses, almost 240 jobs have been included in a definitive population policy for Guernsey, which it's hoped will help to address the Island's falling population issue.

Under Guernsey's new system, employment permits are short-term (one year), medium-term (five years) and long-term (eight-years).

Professional roles accessible in the long-term are, “…essential posts, where the skills are in short supply internationally.” Those in the bracket range from commercial pilots and cyber security specialists to social workers and secondary school teachers. Specific hospitality and trade jobs also fall under this, including head chef, hotel and restaurant manager roles.

Short-term permits can be renewed until the holders reach five year residency, while those with five-year permits will be able to rent or buy a home, but must still leave when their permit expires. Long-term employees, however, will be free to remain on the Island permanently.

But John Shenton, Chair of the IoD Industries Committee, told Express that the organisation, "...would strongly oppose this type of measure for Jersey" and that it was "simply foolhardy".

He commented: "Guernsey should be commended that they have acted to try and slow their decreasing population and address the economic consequences that a stagnant or shrinking economy brings but one must question the overall policy in that they are still attempting to restrict jobs (and consequently the economy) at a time where many incumbents are at their most economically active for the business, and Guernsey as a whole."

Pictured: John Shenton, Chair of the IoD Jersey Industries Committee.

According to Mr Shenton, the best way to remedy the Channel Islands' ageing population and subsequently increasing health care costs is not through cuts or taxes, but sustained economic growth - something he says would be stunted by granting permits for finite periods.

“The suggestion of the three levels of permit… will surely cause postholders in the first two categories to believe that their future lies elsewhere, assuming that they can be attracted in the first place… One surely cannot build a sustainable business with this uncertainty," he said.

“There is no incentive for employees on permits, to contribute to the wider economy. The suggestion that audit managers, teachers, project managers, occupational therapists, senior nursing home carers, police constables and many more, should devote their skills to the island for only a fixed term is short sighted at best."

Speaking about Jersey, he added: “The economy needs to grow and we need to grow together. The last thing that a growing economy needs is a revolving door of talent, especially at a time when attracting new skilled employees is virtually impossible without creating massive wage inflation.”

While critical of the measure itself, IoD Jersey are hopeful that it will spark conversations in Jersey on an appropriate policy for the Island.

“Hopefully this move by Guernsey will provide the necessary catalyst for an immediate grown up sensible debate in Jersey on the subject.”