Letter - EIA Scrutiny Panel to Employment Forum re Seasonal Workers and the Rural Economy - 17th Feb

States Greffe: Scrutiny

Carla Benest

Chair, The Employment Forum

By email

17th February 2022 Dear Chair

Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel Seasonal Workers and the Rural Economy Review

I write to inform you that the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel is currently undertaking a review of the Seasonal Workers in the Rural Economy. A copy of the Panel's Terms of Reference is attached.

We  understand  that,  when  the  minimum  wage  was  introduced  in  Jersey,  the  role  of  the Employment Forum was to consult on the rate of minimum wage and other employment related issues as directed by the Social Security Minister and report the results of these consultations to the Minister along with recommendations on each issue.

As part of our review, we intend to look at the calculation of level of offset for provision of accommodation for workers in the agricultural industry. We note from our research that the offset for accommodation has increased in line with the rise to the minimum wage year on year however, this was not the case for last year. We therefore understand that even though there was an increase in the minimum wage of nearly 11% in 2020, the offset for accommodation stayed the same as the previous year remaining at £91.12 per week.

• Could you inform us of what consultation you had with the Minister regarding the increase of  offset for  provision of  accommodation  workers  in  agriculture  last  year  and  what recommendations you made, if any?

• If you made no recommendations or recommended that the offset not be increased, could you advise us to the reasons given for this decision?

• Could you also inform us if you are in consultation with the Minister to raise this offset for 2022 and if not, why not?

We would be grateful if you could provide a response by Wednesday 23rd February to enable us to continue with our evidence gathering as part of our review. We thank you in advance for your co-operation and if you have any questions regarding this or any of our work, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Deputy David Johnson

Chair

Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel

States Greffe: Scrutiny | Morier House | St Helier | Jersey | JE1 1DD Tel: 01534 441080 | email: scrutiny@gov.je | web: statesassembly.gov.je

Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel Terms of Reference

Seasonal Workers and the Rural Economy

1. To examine the existing system of approval of temporary work permits for seasonal workers in agriculture as detailed in the Government of Jersey's Work Permit Policy and Procedures Policyto include:

1. The examination of the 9 month seasonal route for working in agricultural and assess if it is still fit for purpose.
2. To assess if there is any flexibility in the present allowance for work permits for agricultural workers to be extended, if required.
3. Examine how work visas and work permits are issued and the reason for bottlenecks and delays and assess if these can be alleviated.

2. To examine the social security system under which seasonal workers in the agricultural industry are assessed to include:

1. How social security is calculated for seasonal workers working in the agricultural industry.
2. How the social security system for seasonal workers working in the agricultural industry is accessed.
3. What dispensations are given, if any, to accommodate the social security payments of seasonal workers working in the agricultural industry.

3. To examine the existing system as to calculation of level of offset for provision of accommodation for workers in the agricultural industry.