THERE are no plans to extend a special measure brought in following Storm Ciarán allowing businesses and contractors from outside Jersey to work in the Island for 30 days without a licence.
Assistant Chief Minister Lucy Stephenson said the initiative – which was designed to accelerate repair work– had been “working well”.
Several Jersey businesses, including tree surgeons and scaffolders, had inquired about employing temporary workers, and 18 non-resident businesses (all from the UK) had already come or were planning to arrive imminently to carry out work as a direct result of the storm – some of whom were commissioned by insurance companies.
Deputy Stephenson said that the government and its Business Hub were “doing their best to keep track” of these businesses, but that they were not required to apply for the exemption; it was simply presumed.
These workers can only come to Jersey to carry out work for which they have been contracted or engaged in advance by a local business or individual. Deputy Stephenson said: “The initiative is continuing to work well. The numbers show that there was a clear need for this, and I’ve been contacted by businesses and individuals who’ve appreciated this move.
“We expect that most of the smaller businesses will start to leave in the next few weeks, but those who want to remain after 3 December will have to apply for a business licence as normal, and they are all being advised of those requirements. There are currently no plans to extend [the temporary policy change].”
She added: “The Business Hub compliance unit is continuing to monitor all sea and air arrivals, and they are working closely with the police, Customs and Ports of Jersey. They will continue to monitor departures from the Island.”
She continued to remind Islanders to make “necessary checks before any agreement”, whether dealing with a local or non-local firm offering work, “to ensure they are getting the service they should be”.
Deputy Stephenson added: “We have had one or two instances of hawking or businesses going door-to-door, which is not permitted under the exemption.”
