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106,800 - Jersey's population hits new high

106,800 - Jersey's population hits new high

Friday 21 June 2019

106,800 - Jersey's population hits new high

Friday 21 June 2019


Jersey's population rocketed by more than 1,000 people in the past year, and 11,400 in the last decade, hitting a new high of 106,800.

Although there hasn't been a census since 2011, the estimated figure for 2018 came following analysis by Statistics Jersey.

The independent population analysis group said that 1,100 more people entered the island last year than left.

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Pictured: An infographic explaining the estimated change in 2018.

This, in addition to 100 more births than deaths occurring in Jersey in what was the lowest level of natural change since 2002, led the resident population to increase by 1,200 people overall.

Of this figure, around 400 were 'licensed' workers - often found in sectors requiring specialist skills, such as health or finance - and 700 'registered' workers. 

There was a suggestion that Jersey's growth is slowing, however, as the 1,200 net migration figure was a reduction on recent years.

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Pictured: Net migration by year. (Statistics Jersey)

The highest wave of inward migration recorded to date by Statistics Jersey occurred in 2015, when the island saw its population increase by 1,700, followed by 1,500 and 1,400 in 2016 and 2017 respectively - a gradual fall.

In a report released this morning, statisticians said that net migration has accounted for 78% of the total population increase over the last 10 years. 

Statistics Jersey's figures also included an estimation of the current population by age and gender.

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Pictured: A breakdown of the 2018 estimate by age and gender.

The largest age group was the 50 to 54-year-old band, with the smallest aged 85 and over.

The latest figures will likely raise further questions over Jersey's current ability to house its resident population. A report earlier this year suggested that as many as 7,000 new homes will have to be built by 2030.

The previous Council of Ministers had put forward a population management plan, but withdrew it prior to the elections.

The Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, has now set up a group to work on the island's Migration Policy, with the aim of finding a balance between the needs of local businesses and housing pressures.

The policy group aims to publish an interim report this Autumn, and a full report in early 2020, which they say will be backed up by research into the economic contributions of migrants.

Meanwhile, the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel - a group of politicians tasked with reviewing the government's work on migration policy - will be conducting their own Population and Migration Review.

Although Scrutiny panels are usually responsible for probing and making recommendations on plans put forward by the government, the panel this week announced that it was taking the unusual step of doing research work itself and coming up with its own proposals on what needs to be done.

The process, they said, will involve liaising with stakeholders from across the island with a view to telling the Council of Ministers what should be prioritised when drafting legislation on the topic.

Member of the panel Deputy Jess Perchard commented: "The issue of population growth in Jersey has been repeatedly discussed but not yet resolved. The work of the Government's Migration Policy board will have a significant impact on the future of our island, and, inevitably, the cost of looking after an ever-growing community will have consequences for all who live here.

"This review is an opportunity for us to understand the public's view of population and migration policy, and to engage with young islanders who will be the eventual supporters of an ageing demographic. It is crucial that Government understands the views of the public and the key issues to consider when developing their migration policy."

READ: The full 2018 population estimate report here...

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