Construction industry backs States plans for visiting workers’ village

But the group which represents the sector was disappointed not to have been consulted or informed before the idea was announced.

At last week’s States meeting, Policy & Resources president Lyndon Trott revealed that States officials in property and procurement were developing the concept of a ‘contractors’ village’ in one or more locations around the island.

Deputy Trott said this was in response to difficulties experienced by construction companies trying to recruit enough suitable staff.

Guernsey Construction Forum chairman John Bampkin​​​​ said his organisation, which represents many local construction, architecture and surveyor firms, would certainly support the proposal, as it was difficult to house off-island contractors when they were needed to work in the island.

‘GCF has not been consulted on this and only one member of the committee knew anything about this at our last meeting just over a week ago,’ he said.

‘This is the right thing to do, but it may have been a good idea to consult with industry on this.’

Mr Bampkin said the GCF would like the States to make more progress transparently planning construction projects and improve communication with the local industry.

‘Then we can train more of our own local population and not have to bring in people from outside the islands, something we have been asking for for four years.’

He said that workers’ accommodation became a particularly serious issue at times when large construction projects were being carried out.

‘But again this could all be avoided if we planned these properly and committed to them longer term. They are large strategic projects, so that should not be an unreasonable requirement.

‘Regarding the day-to-day requirement of labour, it is not too bad at present but again when we have large projects on it is a major problem.’

Deputy Trott told the States last week that a shortlist of suppliers had already been identified by those looking into a ‘contractors’ village’ and that work was ongoing to develop proposals, costs and timescales, potentially for a number of sites.

The accommodation would be similar to a temporary housing site used opposite the airport by construction staff in 2013 to work on improvements to the runway.

Approximately 3,000 people work in construction and it accounts for 15% of the island’s employers and 25% of the self-employed population.