FEWER than half of the people who moved to Jersey in 2017 remained in the Island five years later, a new report has revealed.
Statistics Jersey’s Inward Migrant Analysis report found that 43% of the 4,390 people who arrived here in 2017 remained by 2022.
People aged 16 to 29, those with registered status, and those of Polish and other European nationalities were among the groups least likely to stay.
Younger demographic
The 2017 inward migrant cohort differed from the demographics of the local population at the time, according to the report.
It says: “Compared to the total population resident in Jersey at the end of 2017, people who migrated to Jersey had some notable differences in characteristics.”
Migrants were predominantly younger, with 60% aged between 16 and 39, compared to just 30% of longer-term residents.
The report also found that “a slightly higher proportion” of incomers were men (54% compared to 50% of residents). In terms of nationality, just under half (48%) of inward migrants aged 20 and over were from non-British or non-Jersey backgrounds, compared to 22% of the resident population.
Employment trends showed that 29% of inward migrants worked in hotels, restaurants, and bars – sectors that employed just 8% of residents.
Migrants were underrepresented in financial and legal services, with only 15% working in these industries compared to 24% of residents.
Which groups were the least likely to stay?
Young working-age adults were the least likely to stay, with just 33% of migrants aged 16 to 29 remaining after five years.
Children under 16 were the most likely to stay, probably because they migrated with their families as dependants.
Migrants with registered status also had low retention rates, as did those of Polish nationality (22%) and other European nationalities (27%).
By comparison, nearly half (49%) of migrants from Portuguese or Madeiran backgrounds stayed, as did 52% of British or Jersey nationals.
Workers in high-earning industries were more likely to remain, with 54% staying after five years compared to 35% of those in lower-earning sectors.
Did wages go up for those who remained?
Those who remained for five years and had consistent employment saw their nominal wages increase by 47%, equivalent to a 16% rise in real terms when adjusted for the rate of inflation.
Of the migrants who initially worked in low-earning industries, 17% transitioned to medium- or high-earning sectors within six years, but 66% either left Jersey or were no longer working after five years.
Men who had migrated tended to earn more than their female counterparts, according to the report, while those arriving from outside of Europe achieved the highest average earnings.
Younger migrants also saw greater percentage increases in wages over time compared to older groups.
Why does this matter?
Statistics Jersey has argued that the findings “can help improve understanding about who are most likely to leave or remain living on the Island”, which can create opportunities to better support retention and attract skilled workers to Jersey.
