'We've got talent on our doorstep, let's tap into it'

Leyla Yildirim said the return of older workers could have "significant benefits"

People are being encouraged to return to the workplace across Jersey and Guernsey in a bid to improve both islands' economies by about £700m.

It comes after a PwC report warned of an escalating skills shortage due to ageing populations and low birth rates.

Leyla Yildirim, chief strategy officer at PwC Channel Islands, said the combination was "compounding" on a "small work force and a shrinking pool of talent" available across the islands.

"We've got talent right here on our doorstep that isn't going to put additional pressure on our infrastructure or our housing, let's tap into it," she said.

"What we are seeing is a suboptimal level of employment, particularly in that over-50 age category," she added.

"Employers are telling us that having access to people and skills is the number one threat to their business growth."

'Boost economy'

She said there were multiple reasons why people may not return to work, including childcare costs.

"For older workers, it's more around them often wanting flexibility that employers are either unwilling or unable to provide," she added.

"One of the other barriers, for people who have maybe been out of work, even for as little as 12 months, is feeling left behind by technology and AI."

Ms Yildrim said the return of these workers could have "significant benefits" for businesses and the economy.

"We're talking an additional 7,500-plus workers across Jersey and Guernsey - translating into GVA value of £700m."

Ms Yildirim said an "open-minded approach" was needed by employers to source local talent.

"For the community as a whole, we've got to call out ageism and tackle some of the stereotypes," she said.

Deputy Kirsten Morel said "personal choice" played a large role in whether people continued to work

Deputy Kirsten Morel, Jersey's minister for sustainable economic development, said ministers were working to develop better childcare provisions.

The deputy said "personal choice" played a role in whether the older population decided to retire or to continue working.

"I think we can do a lot to make sure that there is no discrimination, that employers are welcoming to applicants of older age, but at the same time I think there is a lot of personal choice as to whether people of an older age actually want to work or not."

He said he believed Jersey was "at a crossroads" due to its economy.

"We have an ageing population that is already creating very significant healthcare increases for us," he added.

"The cost of healthcare and social care is rising significantly - it's happening today.

"That puts us at the crossroads. We need to see productivity growth in order to pay for the care of an elderly population."

'Lowering birth rates'

Deputy Tina Bury, president of the committee for employment and social security, said Guernsey officials had previously published a report which found non-participation in the workforce had increased "significantly" in recent years, particularly beyond the age of 50.

The work and wellbeing strategy for 2025-2030 had emphasised the need to "enable a more diverse and inclusive workforce to maximise the island's working population in the face of lowering birth rates and an ageing demographic", she said.

"With a new political term now under way, the committee will consider how addressing the issues raised in these reports fits within its priorities, alongside other elements of its mandate," she added.

Ms Cousens said the older population had a "lot of experience, a lot of knowledge"

Zoe Cousens, speaker on women in business, said older people faced a number of barriers in the workplace, including legislation which was put in place following World War Two "when actually 60 was a reasonable time to retire".

"This has changed," she added.

"The legislations, the regulations in place to do with the workplace, haven't really caught up.

"As an older person myself... we have a lot of experience, a lot of knowledge.

"I think it's really disappointing that firms are missing out actually, for sure, on a huge benefit to their businesses by thinking that if you're over 60, that you're past it.

"We are absolutely not."

Retired Trish Smith said she would have continued in employment if she had been in better health

Retired Guernsey resident Trish Smith said she would have continued in employment if her health had been better.

"I did have a bad accident and I retired," she said.

"I think I would have gone on another few years because it was nice to be out in adult company.

"There are not many places that would let you do part time. It's very difficult really."