More options in UK than on-island, student says

There are more job opportunities for young people in the UK than in Guernsey, according to one university student.

Scarlett Gallagher, 18, from the island, is studying criminology at Loughborough University and told BBC Radio Guernsey: "In the UK, you get so many more opportunities for what I want to do in the future. But Guernsey was my whole childhood, so it's hard to let go."

For her, the choice comes down to jobs and money: "Guernsey is good with salaries, but the UK has way more options."

Her comments came as the Guernsey Institute (TGI) is running a GradRoutes programme to encourage graduates to come back to the island.

Ms Gallagher said independence was another factor. "Right now, I've got so much freedom. Going back to my parents would feel weird. I feel like I've changed completely."

Cost of living was also a concern: "I'd love to move back to Guernsey, but it's just so expensive. Even food shops are limited.

"In England, you've got so many choices. My UK friends were shocked when I told them we don't have Lidl."

Project lead for GradRoutes Guernsey, Michelle Morley said: "Young people believe that there aren't career opportunities on the island, which is something that we really, really want to address.

"It's not easy to get a job over in the UK at the moment, or anywhere, but coming back to the island, there are more opportunities.

"You get more of a chance to actually speak to people about jobs rather than just sending in numerous CVs."

TGI is currently running a survey to discover whether current university students have any intention of returning to the island and what factors they consider in making that decision.

Jess Knights, 20, is a third year student at Southampton University, who said one reason she wanted to return to the island was for the "safety net back home".

"Staying over here, it would be a bit too much to get a new place to live and find accommodation while doing my placement," she said.

Ms Knights said finances played a part in her decision and she would like to get her own place in Guernsey "in the future" when she can afford it.

Ms Morley said: "With many companies, if you start working with them, you can do some professional qualifications and perhaps start your career over here."

"There are opportunities with many companies to travel off island, or perhaps to do secondments over in the UK or even further afield."

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