URGENT changes are needed to work permits to prevent a “mass exodus” of hospitality workers over the next 18 months, industry leaders have warned.
The Jersey Hospitality Association said an estimated 1,800 workers could end up leaving the Island as a result of Home Affairs policies.
It has criticised what it called the government’s “inefficiency” and “lack of vision”, which the organisation says will exacerbate the challenges already faced by the industry.
In a letter to the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel, the association has called for policy changes to support the industry’s growth and claimed the government has sidelined their calls for help.
Previously, foreign hospitality workers on seasonal permits could only stay in the Island for nine months before having to leave for at least three months.
But changes to rules earlier this year meant that they were able to switch to a permit allowing them to stay for up to three years – provided they then leave for the same period.
JHA co-chief executives Marcus and Ana Calvani argue that this could potentially be crippling – and are arguing that the absence period should remain at three months, as businesses will otherwise have to start recruitment from scratch to replace experienced staff who are not allowed to return for the following season.
“Due to a change to the Work Permit Policy made by Justice and Home Affairs, within the next 18 months we are looking at a mass exodus of migrant workers on work permits from hospitality,” they said.
In the letter, the pair warned of a “catastrophic impact” on their industry, “lowering productivity, increasing costs to recruit and retrain and have absolutely no benefit to Jersey in any way whatsoever”.
“Despite explaining this to [Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles] and her officials, they have refused to alter the policy so that there would be a three-month absence period, a change that would meet their policy objective and assist our members,” Mr and Mrs Calvani added.
Deputy Miles said: “We have met with the JHA, explained the rationale behind the absence period on numerous occasions and they have been advised that it will be reviewed should meaningful data be presented that show that the policy does not work for the sector (the route replicates the one in place for the construction sector, which has been in place far longer).
“These are temporary routes which do not lead to settlement and the expectations of those travelling to the Island to work must be managed. Short absence periods from Jersey between long work-permit periods may result in claims for settlement based on long residence or claims that Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights has been breached if they are unable to apply for settlement.
“There is an expectation that while a person is in Jersey on temporary work-permit employment that they develop their language/employment skills and where an appropriate route is available switch to skilled work-permit employment.
“It is hoped that employers encourage this development within their staff and reap the long-term benefits of moving staff to a work permit route that leads to settlement.”
