Enable wider employment opportunities across a diverse range of sectors

The range of employment options in Jersey is one thing cited as a reason many don’t return. Jersey is lucky to maintain a strong and financially successful Finance industry, but we don’t have the same diversity in jobs as other areas.

This is tricky for Government to solve, but addressing employment opportunities is part of a wider theme of economic diversity and variety.

There are things we can do, both to help grow industries that provide job opportunities, and to encourage more islanders to pursue careers in sectors outside finance.

Promote what we have

Despite our finance focus, there are roles across a range of sectors in Jersey, and identifying and promoting these is important. One strength we have is that our Government provides all manner of services, and we see creativity in promoting less common jobs (a particular favourite of mine is the promotion of pumping station engineers with black and white banners - at or on top of pumping stations!). Not everyone appreciates or even knows of the range of careers on island.

We should work with businesses to encourage them to recruit and expand locally, rather than branch offshore for most of their work.

We must also continue to promote and work to make Jersey an attractive and successful digital jurisdiction. Digital careers can be creative, flexible and high-earning. We must listen to those businesses on island as to what will make Jersey a great place to stay and grow - with some of the changes being tax agreements with other countries.

Supporting new entrants

Jersey has a rich history of farming, and whilst we’ve lost most family and small farms, there is a clear demand by new entrants to establish and grow. The number of smallholders is increasing year on year, and we must make sure our legislation and regulation enable some of these to transition to mid-scale farmers, who might focus on specific crops, or cater to the local food market.

There are clearly obstacles in the way. Land access and ownership remains a challenge, access to buildings and capital are tricky, as are routes to distribution (despite the calls for more local food). We can build on the Rural Economic Framework 2022, and the recent recapitalisation of the Agricultural Loans Fund, but we also must address the structural challenges stopping new entrants starting or scaling.

In the visitor economy, there is positive investment in new and refreshed stock, but given the capital amounts required, it is hard to see how new ‘younger’ entrants may own and operate small establishments. I believe there is still demand for these, and so whilst tricky to consider, we must look at this sector.

We also need a culture change

What we also need in the island is a cultural shift in mindset towards careers. The focus on Finance, and the salaries that come with it, have led to an element of pushing islanders to Finance as a ’true’ career.

This has to change.

We must treat all trades and sectors of our economy as true careers. They are all essential to create a balanced and thriving economy. This cannot be achieved by 49 states members. It requires the whole island to support and cherish our entire economy.