Jersey usually sees 6,000 people emigrating to and leaving the island

There are 87,500 people living in the island - an increase of 400 over the past three years.

It is believed to be mainly due to more people being born than dying. But, in terms of migration, more people left the island in 2003 than came in.

Senator Philip Ozouf, the chairman of the Migration Working Party, said the figures would affect future policies.

Ageing society

The figure of 87,500 is based on the last census carried out in 2001, employment records, plus births and deaths registered.

The estimated increase of 400 people up to the end of 2003 is mainly due to an increase of births over deaths.

Officials said the population was remaining fairly stable, though 2003 saw an increase of about 300 in the net amount of people leaving the island.

Jersey usually sees an annual total of 6,000 people emigrating to and leaving the island.

Senator Philip Ozouf said: "What we've got to have is sensible policies so that businesses can employ the people they need to, but also that the States can pursue policies to help keep a relatively stable population."

Another factor which politicians will have to keep in mind is the ageing society. In future, there will have to be enough working people to look after their dependents.

Meanwhile, there are claims that plans to grow Jersey's population by 500 immigrant workers a year are not sustainable.

Deputy Geoff Southern wants the proposal, which is set out in a States blueprint for the future, to be changed so growth of the working population is set at a quarter of what has been planned.

He said the current strategic plan did not take into account of the money needed to provide services for the additional people or their effect on the environment.

He said he thought it defeated the aim of increasing tax revenue to fill the gap due when a zero rate of company tax takes effect.