A relocation directive is set to be reviewed very shortly, with a paper understood to be with the Policy & Resources Committee. The States routinely offers financial help for people living outside the island, including Guernsey people living away and returning to the island, to relocate where the job would be eligible for a long-term employment permit.
Last year it spent £5.13m., up from £4.76m. the year before.
‘As an island with a limited labour market, Guernsey is unable to source all of the specialist skills, qualifications, and workforce capacity required to deliver certain critical and frontline public services from within the local population alone,’ said P&R in a response to a freedom of information
request.
‘The ability to recruit suitably qualified candidates from off-island is therefore essential to maintaining these services. Without this capability, the States would face significant recruitment challenges, resulting in a greater reliance on temporary or agency workers, increased staffing costs, and potential impacts on the effective delivery of public services.’
The relocation directive encompasses an allowance for the move, and potential ongoing help with rent or mortgage payments for up to four years after the move.
Most recipients of support are working in the healthcare sector, with 241 people, followed by 86 through Education, Sport & Culture and 34 through Home Affairs. Other business areas of the States are responsible for only 20 recipients combined.
P&R said that its review is considering whether the directive remains fit for purpose, represents value for money, and continues to support the operational needs of the public service.
The committee was also challenged about spending six times as much as Jersey in relocation support last year. It said it was aware that Jersey has more staff accommodation available for new recruits moving to the island.