Letter - Work Permit Holder Welfare Review Panel to Minister for Health and Social Services re staffing - 19 April 2023

States Greffe

Deputy Karen Wilson , Minister for Health and Social Services BY EMAIL

19th April 2023

Dear Deputy Wilson ,

Work Permit Holder Welfare Review Panel

You will be aware that the above Panel is currently collecting evidence and information in relation to its review of the welfare of work permit holders living and working in Jersey. As part of this evidence, the Panel would be grateful for information on the following areas which fall under your remit as Minister for Health and Social Services.

Please could you supply the following information:

1. The numbers of skilled work permit holders being sought for roles across Health and Community Services.
2. Please indicate the category of permit which is most typically being sought for the employment of Health and Community Services staff.
3. Whether Health and Social Services is working with specific countries in seeking staff and, if yes, which countries is the department working with?
4. If specific countries are being targeted for staffing purposes, please could you indicate the reasons for that (for instance, whether the qualifications gained in a specific country are ready transferable to the Jersey context)?

The terms of reference for the review have been attached to this letter for ease of reference. Yours sincerely

Deputy Beatriz Porée

Chair

Work Permit Holder Welfare Review Panel  

Work Permit Holder Welfare Review Panel Review of Work Permit Holder Welfare Terms of Reference

1. To examine and consider the process of obtaining a Jersey work permit, to include;
   1. the relationship between Jersey work permits and UK visas; and
   2. the information provided to applicants during the application process;
   3. the funding requirements of the Jersey work permit application process.
2. To examine Jersey's Work Permit Policy and determine its effectiveness in:
   1. ensuring the welfare of work permit holders;
   2. protecting work permit holders from exploitation and Modern Day Slavery';
   3. providing guidance in relation to work supplementary employment, variation of employment contracts, termination of employment, accommodation and employment disputes.
3. To identify and assess the welfare obligations placed on employers of work permit holders and to examine:

1. any relevant guidance or support provided by the Government; and
2. any relevant legislation;
3. how fulfilment of the obligations is reviewed.

4. To identify and assess:

1. the financial obligations that employers and work permit holders have to the Government; and
2. any Government services or benefits available or not available to temporary work permit holders.

5. To identify and consider temporary work permit holder protection practices in other relevant jurisdictions.