Following enquires made by The Jersey Chamber of Commerce to The Chief Minister’s Department, on behalf of its members, assurance has been given to employers and employees that nothing will change in 2019, to the current employment policies.
Further to this news, The Chief Minister and another senior Minister have suggested it is their preference that the Migration Policy proposition due to be debated in September 2018 will be deferred whilst great modelling work is carried out.
Chamber President Eliot Lincoln welcomed the continued constructive dialogue: “With concerns being raised within the Chamber membership as to the ramifications for planning workforces for next year, a ‘business as usual’ response has been received from the Government. Businesses plan long term and it is crucial that clear, concise information is relayed to our members, so that despite any hiatus in the transition of Government, the commerce of the island can still function.
“We support the likely deferring of the Migration Policy, due to be debated in September, not least because of the added unknown impacts of Brexit, however this must not be taken as a signal to do nothing. The real test of recruiting staff and acknowledging the issues of population growth remain and this Government must act to assist businesses with both short and long-term recruitment and retention challenges.
“Chamber is continually seeking better dialogue with Government on behalf of its membership. It is vital, that whether there is policy coming forward or not, employers and employees can continue to structure their futures”
