Jersey work permit holders need more protection - scrutiny panel

The report examined if Jersey's work permit holders were adequately protected from modern slavery

Jersey's government can do more to protect and inform work permit holders, according to a scrutiny panel report.

The Work Permit Holder Welfare Review Panel examined if current policies looked after their welfare and protected them from modern slavery.

It found that, while feedback from permit holders was mainly positive, protection and help could be improved.

The government said the findings would receive "serious consideration and prompt action where necessary".

Anyone needing immigration permission to live and work in the island for a limited period needs a work permit.

Modern slavery concerns

During its review, the panel considered information available for work permit holders, as well as employment, conditions, and support, the risk of modern slavery and exploitation, accommodation and healthcare.

It produced 29 key findings and made 25 recommendations.

Key recommendations include:

• Improving guidance and the level of information provided about living and working in Jersey

• Providing clarity to both employers and employees on what was expected of them in terms of work conditions and support for permit holders

• Beginning government consultations on the introduction of anti-modern slavery legislation because current policy lacked specificity about protection from such exploitation

• Giving more information about healthcare because most permit holders were not aware how the system operated prior to their arrival, and information about healthcare was not available in the policy

Panel chairwoman Deputy Beatriz Porée said: "Feedback from work permit holders about living and working in Jersey is generally very positive.

"However, the panel also believes that there is room to improve the protections in place, and, in particular, address the gaps in the communication of key information and guidance about living, working and accessing support in Jersey.

"We hope the government takes our recommendations into account and starts the necessary work to make improvements to the policy where needed."

Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles welcomed the findings, adding she was "heartened that the majority of contributors reported positive experiences", but she also recognised "areas for improvement, some of which concern immigration policy".

She said: "These matters will receive serious consideration and prompt action where necessary.

"In due course, I will provide a detailed response to the findings and recommendations."