Glen Tonks, Chair of IoD Guernsey has responded to the latest Guernsey Annual Electronic Census Report.
“In a recent IoD Guernsey member survey, attracting, developing and retaining talent were identified as key concerns for local directors and business leaders over the next 12 months.
“An inability to recruit hampers growth and could lead to strong demand for labour driving wages up as firms compete for staff, which will be unsustainable in the longer-term.
“Whilst our member survey did not specifically link the high cost and lack of accommodation to recruitment issues, housing is a stated member concern, along with the cost of living, population management and retaining young people on island.
“It is worth noting that Guernsey is not unique in facing this challenge, talent recruitment and retention is a concern for businesses elsewhere, although the size and location of the Bailiwick makes the problem more acute.
“It is clear that Guernsey needs to continue to support high value, low footprint industries. We need to invest in providing the training and education to support those industries whilst ensuring the island has the right blend of accommodation to meet its social and economic needs.”