CHANGES to the Island’s housing and work policies will make it easier for employers to “respond to genuine recruitment needs”, the Chamber of Commerce has said.
The new rules, which came into force this week, have been designed to make it easier for businesses to recruit staff and help people build toward residents status,
These updates to the law include reducing the length of time people need to have lived on Island continuously before they can achieve permanent entitled status, meaning people will achieve this status after 25 years of continuous residence, rather than the previous 30-year requirement.
The policy changes are also intended to provide more routes for eligible workers to access qualified accommodation. For businesses, the changes to the Control of Housing and Work Law reduce administration and make it easier to recruit staff where there is a recognised business need. The government said this would help businesses attract and retain the workers and skills they need, while making the process of living and working in Jersey clearer and simpler.
The Chamber of Commerce welcomed the overhaul and easing of restrictions on housing and working, stating the changes will have a positive impact on recruitment and retention of staff across the economy.
Claire Reynard, chair of the Chamber Employment and Skills Committee, said: “Given the ongoing recruitment and skills challenges across many sectors this will make it easier for employers to respond to genuine recruitment needs.
“The greater flexibility for Islanders who spend time away from Jersey is a positive step too. Retaining connections with people who have built their lives and careers here, and making it easier for them to return, will help build Jersey’s longer-term workforce and economic sustainability.”
The government said the changes would also provide greater flexibility for people who spend periods away from Jersey for reasons including work, education, family commitments or other opportunities.
When an Islander holds permanent entitled status this means they can buy, sell or lease any property in the Island and can work in any job without needing permission from an employer or a specific work permit.
Once this status has been obtained it allows Islanders to leave Jersey and return at a later date without losing their residential qualification.
Assistant Chief Minister Malcolm Ferey said: “These changes will streamline Jersey’s outdated housing and work controls – lightening the administrative burden for businesses and giving Islanders more flexibility to pursue opportunities outside of Jersey without losing the residence they have built up”.
