Hard-hit farmers welcome work permit relaxation

Wednesday 14 November 2018

Local vegetable farmers, who were forced to cut back on growing certain produce due to lack of staff this year, have welcomed the government’s decision to relax rules on permits for agricultural workers.

The Home Affairs Minister, Constable Len Norman, yesterday announced that 130 seasonal work permits will be made available to the industry to allow them to employ people from outside the European Economic Area.

The permits will be valid for seven months, with individuals required to have been away from the island for at least three months until they can return.

It follows a pilot scheme introduced in the UK to support the hard-hit industry, which has previously complained of failing to secure enough local workers to keep operations afloat.

Pictured: The Home Affairs Minister, Constable Len Norman.

Constable Norman said that his decision came following a “detailed and well-researched case” put to him by the Jersey Farmers’ Union which set out their difficulties in sourcing labour. 

“In view of these current challenges, I am satisfied that it is necessary to make 130 work permits available in order to help ensure our farmers and growers can employ sufficient staff for the coming season.”

The Minister added: “Unless we act now, the consequences will be the loss of contracts and established growers having to close down. This would be damaging for a traditional island industry that is important to us both economically and culturally. It is vital that Government provides support to business wherever possible, and I hope to have done so on this occasion.” 

Although the scheme is so far being treated as temporary and will be reviewed within two years in line with the UK, the move has been welcomed by local farmers. 

Pictured: 130 seasonal work permits are being made available for the agricultural industry.

Christine and Didier Hellio, who run Manor Farm in St. Ouen, had previously called for policymakers to consider the recruitment struggles within the industry. This morning Christine told Express she was “delighted” about the news.

“At last someone is listening to the problems that we have endured during the year,” she commented.

She explained that this year in particular had been difficult for her farm to navigate – even involving cutting back on certain vegetables – but that she was now filled with increased confidence following the announcement that work permit rules would be relaxed.

“This year has been so hard, work-wise. The staff that we did have were so supportive, doing extra hours when needed. But we have had to cut back on certain produce on our farm because of the lack of staff. 

“We are looking forward to having a full team of workers hopefully for early January next year, which is only weeks away for planting out prime crop of Jersey Royals.”