SHOULD Jersey open its doors or pull up the drawbridge to manage its population – or take another approach entirely?
That question will be examined at a live panel event hosted by All Island Media next month as experts and Jersey’s economy minister set out options for the Island.
The event – ‘Population… open the doors or pull up the drawbridge?’ – will take place from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday 18 September.
It will address falling birth rates, an ageing population and the so-called “bean drain” of young, working-age Islanders – while also considering whether Jersey should admit more workers, restrict immigration, or take a different approach in response.
Economic development minister Kirsten Morel will set out the key population concerns and the government’s approach to creating a lively economy and retaining talent alongside a soon-to-be-confirmed panel of population experts and professionals.
Chaired by Bailiwick Express and Connect editor Fiona Potigny, the ensuing discussion will be driven by questions submitted by the public.
Taking place at the Pomme d’Or in April, the previous All Island Media event featuring Housing minister Sam Mézec was a sell-out. Early booking is recommended.
Tickets for next month’s event are available here and attendees are encouraged to submit their questions in advance.
AIM Plus subscribers can attend for free – simply email marketing@allisland.media to secure a place.
General admission is £15 and £10 for students or charities (fees included).
IN NUMBERS: Jersey’s population pressures
- Nearly half of Year 10 and 12 students do not consider Jersey a viable place to build a life and career, according to a survey, with over a third of sixth-form students planning to leave the Island for university and not return.
- Data from Statistics Jersey shows the number of Islanders in their 20s and 30s dropped by 7% between 2017 and 2023.
- Birth rates in 2024 were at their lowest since 1945, having fallen by 10% from the previous year, according to the Island’s superintendent registrar.
- Data from Public Health shows that the proportion of Jersey women having a baby in their 20s has nearly halved in recent years, while the average age of motherhood is on the rise.
- Deaths have exceeded births for the third consecutive year, according to Policy Centre Jersey.
- The number of over-64-year-olds grew by 12% between 2018 and 2023, while the number of under-16-year-olds fell by 5%, according to Statistics Jersey.
- The latest census found that the ‘dependency ratio’ in Jersey had risen to 52%, meaning there were fewer people working than the number dependent on public services paid for by taxes.
