Carpenter in court blames Social Security for lack of licence

Wednesday 01 March 2023

A carpenter from the UK, who admits working in Jersey without a proper business licence, has had his sentencing adjourned to allow him time to obtain a recording of a phone call in which he claims that Social Security told him he was able to work in the island.

Allan Thomson Dolan (52) was self-employed in Jersey from 21 November 2021 until 1 October last year, the Magistrate’s Court heard yesterday.

But Crown Advocate Lauren Taylor, prosecuting, said he had not obtained the business licence required by law.

She said: "For just under a year the defendant was working as a self-employed carpenter, and earned £50,000. He should have had a business licence for that period.

"He was advised that if he was to work in Jersey he would need a licence. He was aware of the requirement."

But Dolan claimed the opposite. He explained that he had lived in Jersey for many years and had a partner and two children here, but had been working in Wales for a time.

He said: "When I came back I phoned Social Security and they told me I was able to work self-employed."

He admitted not having paid income tax during the period but added: "I knew I was going to have to pay it at some stage."

Dolan also said that at the start of his call to Social Security he was told it was being "recorded for training purposes", so the recording could prove what he said about the advice he received.

The court heard that he had no relevant previous convictions.

Pictured: The case is being heard in the Magistrate's Court.

Magistrate Bridget Shaw told Mr Dolan that the Government imposed strict controls over who could and could not work in Jersey so the offence was "a serious matter".

But she added: "If you were given an assurance that you could work here, that is something the court will take into account."

She adjourned sentencing until 14 March to allow him time to obtain the recorded call and he was released on bail.