Chief Minister welcomes business survey

The Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, has welcomed the findings of a survey conducted by Jersey’s Chamber of Commerce into its members’ opinions on the Interim Population Policy.

 

The survey attracted responses from 45% of Chamber’s membership, and demonstrates a divergence of opinion which is mirrored among the wider community.

 

Senator Gorst said “I would like to thank Chamber for surveying its members about this issue that is so fundamental to the future of Jersey. Setting population policy is difficult and it is important that Islanders understand how we need to balance its impact on our economy, our environment and our community.

 

“Ministers want to work with local businesses and we welcome contributions to the debate. I am pleased that more than 70% of employers who responded to the survey do not believe the interim policy will cause them recruitment difficulties. The initiatives we have established to support Islanders into employment are providing a pool of staff who are ready to work for local businesses.

 

“Population is a complex issue that is about much more than numbers and I am pleased to see that Chamber appreciates the difficult balance ministers have to strike: supporting the economy by securing economic growth, while protecting the environment and sustaining our community.”

 

The Interim Population Policy proposes to limit immigration while securing economic growth by maintaining the planning assumption of +325 migrants per year from 2014-2015 and by supporting migration that provides the greatest economic and social value, where local talent is not available.

 

It proposes to support initiatives to encourage employment and improvements in skills for Islanders, and to increase the employment of “entitled” and “entitled to work” staff.

 

“Preparing for Our Future” provides a framework to develop long-term solutions.