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It has become apparent that islanders share concerns in regards to population management. One these key concerns is around the imbalance around what business’ require and the pressure on public services and housing.

This current States has mandated a review in 2027, but this must be brought forward to this year. The current policy agreed by the Assembly was based on assumptions of the situation as it applied at that time - but are no longer current. There is a clear conflict between the needs of industry to fill their immediate labour and skills requirements and the pressure on island services. This need was robustly argued at the hustings arranged by the G8 group who represent the finance industry and the Guernsey Hotel Association. The medium-term solution is through attracting and employing more locals into Guernsey industries and government services.

However, it is very clear that there is currently a pressure on public services and housing and a more robust balance needs to be struck. First, we need to reduce the range of jobs that overseas workers are allowed to fill. We need to demonstrate that all these jobs are absolutely essential. Second, we must move more of those requirements to short term, rather than long term. Short term workers cannot gain settlement or bring their dependants. They must return, after their permission runs out and are restricted to Open Market part D and bespoke staff accommodation, (including those provided by industry for their short term staff).

As part of the Common travel Area, CTA we also need to follow the UK Home Office Policy on much stricter Immigration visa policy, extending out to 10 years any settlement rights, as well as more robust English language requirements.

The current policy decision of the States was also to bring in a secondary health insurance scheme requirement for overseas workers, but this work has never been completed. The implementation of a scheme must also feature in this immediate review to be conducted at the start of this term.

Key part of the solution: Upskilling the local workforce

It has become very apparent this term that we need to attract local people into our businesses, industries and public services. We have become far too reliant upon imported labour and professionals to keep the economy and front-line requirements going. Whilst we must be appreciative and welcome those from overseas, whether on short term or longer contracts, the business sector currently say they simply cannot do without them. The post Brexit environment has unfortunately caused global labour recruitment challenges, but we need to be mindful of the demands on our services and housing. We must reach beyond health professionals and finance into all our upskilling requirements, including, caring, hospitality, IT and AI.

We must orientate our Education and workforce upskilling toward filling our recruitment demands focusing on Guernsey residents. Industry and governments ‘Skills Guernsey’ must combine to tailor our curriculum, and careers service toward those skills. Much more emphasis must be challenged into our excellent Guernsey Institute which will benefit from an essential new facility next term.