Workforce shortage looming as States look for solution

Discussions are ongoing between the States and Population management, about a "temporary extension" of Short Term Employment Permits (STEP) in Guernsey.

If the extension is not put into place, businesses face staff shortages over those who had trained over the last three years and could be left without a replacement workforce.

Cafe and restaurant owner Delphine Pesrin-Auder expressed concern for her workers' futures.

She said her staff were"very stressed about their situation because they don't know what's going to happen, so it's very uncertain"

Pesrin-Auder said: "If they don't have an answer very quickly they might miss the opportunity to find a sponsorship in the UK and if they don't get a sponsorship, they have to go back to their country."

"It has affected the business in the way that we would have to restart the entire process of recruiting and training the staff, our colleagues."

Vijay Wiltshire, Owner of the Roll Bar, said that he and his employees were concerned as to the future while the extension decision was being worked on.

"It's a very difficult situation for all involved. It's a huge mental strain for some of the people I employ, coming to the end of their STEP."

"They have a lot of uncertainty and unknowns about what the future holds for them which is very sad that we're doing that as an island."

"Fortunately we appear to have some positive news about a possible extension. I have one worker in particular who's in a state of flux and I sort of keep her abreast of developments."

"I sent her as much of a positive note as I could, to say look it looks like you may have another year."

Deputy Chris Blin said the States and Population Management had collaborated to find a solution to the potential employment crisis facing bussinesses, in addition to the potential temporary extension.

"[Businesses] were in a really difficult position, where within a few months they would lose some of their workforce."

"Home Affairs have confirmed that they will be doing a strategic review of all permits and their structure"

"This way now they have that extra time, whether it be interim or permanent and now there is time to look at the strategic review."

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