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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 21st OCTOBER 2008
Question
Given that the Minister has publicly committed himself to population control, by imposing firm limits on the number of jobs created, does he consider that the latest figures on job growth to June 2008 from the Statistics Office which show that over 1500 jobs have been created in the past 12 months, 40% of which have gone to non- locally qualified people and J-cats, demonstrate that under his leadership of Economic Development that such firm limits have been successfully imposed?
Answer
It is exceedingly clear from the recent manpower report that although economic circumstances vary, the workforce in Jersey has not grown considerably over the years.
In June 1998 the workforce stood at 55,450, while 10 years later, in June 2008, it stood at 56,630. This is an increase of 1,180 jobs in 10 years - the sizeable majority being locally qualified persons. This is managed growth, and a successful record.
As to non local employment, this remains a small minority of all jobs, at around 14%, and is predominately in our vital agricultural, tourism, and hospitality industries, whom I have been happy to support. As to 1(1)(j) category consents, they are the responsibility of the Housing Minister - whose policies I fully support.