Guernsey’s Committee for Home Affairs has requested changes that will allow people with employee permits to remain on the island even if they are out of a job.
The request aims to protect hospitality staff, many of whom are now out of work because of the initial restrictions on bar, pub, night club and restaurant opening hours, and the subsequent lockdown ordered by the government.
These measures, implemented to contain the spread of Covid-19, have led to the closure of eateries across the island.
‘We have a working population, many with permits, that are being affected and hit hard by the results of Covid-19 shutting businesses temporarily for unknown periods,’ said the President of the Committee for Home Affairs, Deputy Mary Lowe.
‘Home Affairs will be working with the Civil Contingencies Authority this week to address a number of changes to the Population Management regime which will allow for maximum flexibility so that everyone can do the jobs that need to be done at this difficult time regardless of their employment status.’
Home affairs said that while some businesses would be unable to keep their staff on the payroll, those individuals would be able to support the island in other ways, if allowed to remain in Guernsey. Under the terms of their permits, they would usually have to leave.
Further information will be released but anyone who has an employment permit and has already seen a change in their working arrangements should email population@gov.gg.
