States meeting business heads on population laws – BBC News

[ad_1]

Image caption,

Guernsey politicians said they would listen to evidence from business bosses

The States will meet the Confederation of Guernsey Industry (CGI) to discuss issues with population law.

It comes as the CGI said barriers still restricted the ability to recruit staff from anywhere in the world.

The CGI said it could present data which “illustrates the extent of the problem”. Home Affairs Committee President Rob Prow said his committee would listen to evidence.

‘Skill drain’

CGI chairman Dave Newman said the States’ response “to the issues we raised in September is a real concern”.

He said: “It is clear to us, and also worrying, that Home Affairs appears to not be close enough to local businesses to understand the difficulties they are facing.

“The amendments to the new law, introduced in April of this year, are creating a skills drain, leaving businesses chronically short of trained and experienced staff.”

Deputy Prow said politicians were “happy to discuss their concerns”.

He said: “While it is disappointing that the CGI seems to want to have this conversation via the media, rather than contacting us directly to request a meeting, I can confirm that we would be very happy to meet with them.

“We must equally balance that economic need with ensuring there are residency restrictions in place for those on Short Term Employment Permits.

“If these were not in place, the current challenges the island faces with housing, for example, would be exacerbated; alongside the additional pressures on essential services.”

[ad_2]

Source link