Changes to Jersey’s residence and employment rules have come into effect, making it easier for businesses to recruit staff and for Islanders to build and maintain their residence status.
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. Business licence and staffing applications have been streamlined through shorter forms, clearer guidance and fewer information requirements.
Long-term Islanders can now qualify for Permanent Entitled status after 25 years of continuous residence, rather than 30 years. The changes also provide greater flexibility for people who spend time away from Jersey for work, study, family commitments or other opportunities, helping them retain the residence they have built up when they return to the Island.
In addition, the residential status previously known as Registered is now called Standard. People with a valid registration card showing Registered status do not need to apply for a new card. Employers who have Registered permissions do not need to change how they employ people with this status. A new Licensed for Lease Only status allows eligible people to rent qualified property without being able to buy it.
Assistant Chief Minister Deputy Malcolm Ferey (pictured) said: “These changes will streamline Jersey’s outdated housing and work controls – lightening the administrative burden for businesses and giving Islanders more flexibility to pursue opportunities outside of Jersey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.”
The Jersey Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the overhaul and easing of restrictions on housing and working, saying the changes will have a positive impact on recruitment and retention of staff across the economy.
The Chamber said these changes acknowledge that Jersey does not make recruitment easy enough for businesses. It also welcomes efforts to make the Island’s systems and policies clearer, reducing administration during the recruitment process.
Among the other positive changes highlighted by Chamber is that those entitled to live and work here but spend time away from the island, will no longer be penalised.
Claire Reynard, Chair of the Chamber Employment and Skills Committee, commented: “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.”
