Seven-hundred people in Jersey seeking jobs, figures show

A total of 700 islanders were actively seeking work, the government said

There are 700 people in Jersey registered as actively seeking work (ASW), government figures show.

That is down from 800 a year ago, but higher than in March 2023, when there were 610 jobseekers - a record low.

The government said ASW figures were prone to increase in September because parents with school-age children were able to "increase their working hours".

It said the job market in Jersey "remains robust".

The job market's strength was despite "challenges faced by businesses", it added, saying the Back to Work team was available to support qualified islanders looking for work.

Unemployed residents are not required to be registered as ASW, but those receiving income support generally must be.

Assistant Social Security Minister Malcolm Ferey said ASW numbers remained at "a very low level".

He added: "I would also encourage businesses who can offer work experience opportunities to jobseekers to contact the Back to Work team.

"There are financial incentives available to employers when vacancies are filled.

"We acknowledge that some businesses face extraordinary challenges at this time, and we welcome the opportunity to engage with them."

Support available for jobseekers includes guidance and coaching from employment advisors, job matching by the Back to Work team and access to employment incentives and paid training programmes, the government said.

It said a community project scheme aimed at enhancing skills and training to develop personal and work-related skills was also available.

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