Immigrant builders needed for huge States construction projects

Monday 15 September 2014

The Chief Minister has admitted that Jersey will need to import builders to carry out the millions of pounds worth of capital projects that the States have set up for the next few years.

Politicians have approved an unprecedented programme of millions of pounds worth of building works to keep the construction sector afloat and support the economy. The work includes the new hospital (£297 million), work on improving and building homes (£250 million), sewage works (£210 million) and a new police station (£21 million) as well as work on roads, sea defences and Fort Regent.

Some of that work stretches out for years, but there are now concerns over whether the construction industry has the capacity to get all of the States jobs done, on top of work from the private sector.

In a statement, Chief Minister Ian Gorst stressed that local workers would be prioritised and that significant investment into training and work schemes was going on.

But he also confirmed that Jersey would need to import some builders to get the work done.

He said: “As our economy recovers, some net migration will be needed in a range of sectors, including construction, servicing both public and private sector contracts.

“However the intention is to prioritise existing residents for the available work, and the Housing and Work Advisory Group will promote local employment when considering applications for licences.”

The statement came in response to a question from Deputy Roy Le Hérissier.