Long-term hotel accommodation for permitted workers in Guernsey has been formally extended, offering continued relief amid persistent housing shortages on the island. The Development and Planning Authority has approved an extension allowing eligible workers to remain in hotel accommodation until 28 February 2027, pushing the original end date back by 4 years.
The policy applies primarily to skilled and key workers who hold valid work permits and are legally entitled to live and work in Guernsey, but have struggled to secure long-term housing due to limited supply. At present, 422 accommodation units are being used under this exemption, many of which house essential workers supporting core public and private sector services .
Housing Pressure Drives Policy Extension
Deputy Lee Van Katwyk, vice-president of the Development and Planning Authority, stated that the extension was necessary to avoid worsening housing pressures across the island. He noted that ending the exemption abruptly would force hundreds of workers into an already-constrained rental market, creating further instability.
Van Katwyk explained that many permitted workers value the certainty of having temporary accommodation, even if it is not a long-term solution. According to him, removing access to hotel stays could add more than 422 people to the housing search pool, significantly distorting supply and demand dynamics.
The decision has also been welcomed by the hospitality industry. Alan Sillett, president of the Guernsey Hospitality Association, said the extension provides much-needed operational stability for hotels, particularly those that rely on permitted workers to remain open and functional .
He added that previous policy decisions had already laid the groundwork for longer-term accommodation solutions, and the continuation of the hotel stay exemption demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to balancing workforce needs with tourism capacity.
Despite the extension, Guernsey officials have been clear that hotel accommodation is not intended as a permanent housing solution. Deputy Van Katwyk acknowledged that living in hotels long-term is not ideal but said a significant improvement in the housing market is unlikely over the next two years.
As tourism lead on the Economic Development Committee, Van Katwyk also noted the trade-offs involved. During peak tourist seasons, the availability of an additional 422 hotel beds would benefit the island’s visitor economy. However, without hotel accommodation for key workers, several providers have indicated they might not have survived previous years.
Broader Context Of Worker Accommodation Policy
The extension aligns with wider efforts by Guernsey authorities to maintain economic continuity while longer-term housing infrastructure is developed. Previous initiatives by the Policy and Resources Committee aimed to expand housing capacity, and the current committee has signaled continuity in that policy direction .
For official updates on housing and employment policy, readers can consult the BBC and the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce. Additional analysis on migration-linked housing pressures is available via Globe Migrant’s housing and resource sections.
Key Takeaway
- Guernsey’s decision to extend long-term hotel stays for permitted workers until 2027 reflects ongoing housing constraints and the island’s reliance on skilled and key workers.
- While not a permanent fix, the policy helps prevent further strain on the housing market and supports both workforce stability and the hospitality sector while longer-term housing solutions remain under development.
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