Jersey Deputy calls for changes to housing qualifications for States employees

Credit: ITV Channel TV

A Jersey politician is calling for changes to the island's residential qualification laws.

Deputy Jess Perchard wants the States to amend the housing regulations so that 'entitled' status cannot be included in job offer packages within the public sector on ‘social and economic grounds’.

It was revealed in July that States of Jersey Chief Executive Charlie Parker was granted 'entitled' residential status when he took up his job.

This means if he chooses to leave his role, he can continue to live and buy or sell property on the island.

  • Entitled Status:

Someone who has lived in Jersey for 10 years.

If born in Jersey, you cannot lose your entitled status.

If you're not born in Jersey, you can retain the status as long as you don't live away from the island for more than 5 years.

It means you can buy, sell or lease any property in Jersey.

  • Licensed Status:

Someone who is deemed 'essential' by their employer.

Workplace needs permission from the States to employ a 'licensed' person.

It means you can buy, sell or lease any property as long as they have the status.

  • Entitled For Work Status:

Someone who has lived in Jersey for five consecutive years or is married to someone who is 'entitled', 'licensed' or 'entitled for work'.

Can buy property jointly with someone with 'entitled' status.

Workplace does not need permission to employ an 'entitled for work' person.

  • Registered Status:

Someone who has not lived in Jersey for five years or does not qualify under the other categories.

Can lease 'registered' properties only.

Workplace needs permission to employ a 'registered' person.

Deputy Perchard is asking the States to change the current laws so they cannot offer automatic housing qualifications when recruiting employees, including any further Chief Executive of the government.

The proposition also calls for the Housing and Work Advisory Group to take responsibility for granting 'entitled' status.

Deputy Perchard wants the legislative changes brought into effect by 31st March 2019.

Deputy Jess Perchard was sworn in as Deputy of St Saviour No.3 this June.