More people coming to work in Jersey, panel says

From 2019 to 2024 the number of temporary work permits issued increased by 3,528%, up to 2,432

The number of people coming to work in Jersey has risen in the last five years, a panel in the island has heard.

The Children, Education and Home Affairs (CEHA) scrutiny panel on Thursday revealed from 2019 to 2024 the number of temporary work permits issued increased by 3,528%, up to 2,432.

The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs said the rise was due to factors including Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic, as well as shifting trends in the island's economy.

Ministers were questioned on policies in place to help protect and support new arrivals to the island and the chair of the panel said it was "a crucial area of work that must be approached seriously".

The hearing heard the government was attempting better housing checks, new support services like language translation and training to spot exploitation.

Deputy Catherine Curtis said: "Overall we are pleased with the work that the government has undertaken in this area.

"Ensuring that migrant workers are treated fairly and within the law, as well as holding employers and accommodation standards to account, is a crucial area of work that must be approached seriously for the future prosperity of our island."

She added there were still some concerns the panel hoped the government would seek to address.

These included records of employers or associated accommodations which had not met standards.

She added: "The panel is also concerned that due to a stated lack of resources, the government does not have the ability to check that all accommodation is up to standard nor that job contracts are being carried through properly.

"The panel urges anyone with concerns to come forward and complain."