The government of Jersey has published a report containing the results of its recent Brexit Business Survey. To view the findings click here
The survey was designed to:
• Determine the importance of visa-free business travel, the rights of EU nationals to live and work in the island and the reasons to recruit staff from off-island
• Examine perceptions of EU regulation and legislation and any barriers that currently restrict business growth
• Explore whether Brexit may result in businesses considering relocation or reduced levels of staffing and investment in Jersey.
The report gives an insight into the concerns of island businesses and the impact of Brexit on them.
The primary concerns related to potentially higher costs and the impact on travel. This was followed by concerns about access to and availability of skilled and experienced staff, access to the EU for financial services, and the overall impact on Jersey’s economy, its competitiveness and the number of businesses in the island.
During the negotiations, the main priority for finance and non-finance businesses is for Jersey to maintain its current relationship with the UK, and securing a new trade arrangement with the EU.
The Minister for External Relations, Senator Sir Philip Bailhache, said: “When setting our priorities, we need a clear understanding of the potential impact of Brexit on island businesses, across the financial services and non-finance sectors.
"As well as providing an awareness of the challenges presented by Brexit, the responses to this survey have helped us identify potential opportunities and assess how the government can assist industry in accessing them.”