Ditching medium-term permits ‘sensible way to retain staff’
REMOVING medium-term permits is a ‘sensible’ way to retain more staff, the president of the Guernsey Hospitality Association has said.
Home Affairs said in its population report that getting rid of the permits, and replacing them with long-term permits, would provide greater certainty for people looking to relocate to the island.
Alan Sillett said the new proposals appeared to be very positive for the hospitality industry.
‘We did engage with [Home Affairs] during the review, and it’s appreciated that they have listened and understood many of the issues we face in terms of recruitment and retention of employees.’
‘The removal of MTEPs [medium term permits] seems a sensible move, especially if most of the job roles that currently sit in that category will move up to qualify for LTEPs [long term permits].
‘I have never seen the sense in telling employees that they must leave the island, especially when they are doing a good job, and are a benefit to the island,’ said Mr Sillett.
Part of the new proposals involve a more streamlined application process which would make it easier to employ staff from all around the world.
Many employers in the industry look to recruit from countries outside of the European Union or common travel area, such as Kenya and the Philippines.
‘It’s good that being able to recruit new staff from these jurisdictions is recognised, and that the pathway for recruitment is as smooth as possible.’
An estimated 300 new residents will need to be brought into the island each year for the next 30 years to sustain the workforce.
‘The research that the States has carried out, including the population statistics, clearly spells out that growth in the working population is going to be vital to the future of the island,’ Mr Sillett said.
‘Staff retention is vital. The days of candidates walking into businesses asking what jobs are available are long gone. So we have to put a high emphasis on keeping the much valued employees we already have here.’
The ageing demographic was outlined by Home Affairs as a significant issue being faced by the States, along with governments all around the world, as each year there are more people retiring than there are people joining the workforce.
‘Hopefully the new policies will be voted in by the States soon, and other initiatives to support areas such as planning and housing can be progressed to assist in ensuring any growth happens in a sustainable way,’ said Mr Sillett.
