Unmarried Partners Get Job Rights

Wednesday, 24 May 2023 07:00

Unmarried partners of people who have the right to live and work in Jersey will be able to apply for any job from next week.

They are currently only allowed to take 'registered' roles that don't require five years residency.

But they will soon be able to share their partner's 'entitled' work licence, after States members voted to pass the Chief Minister's proposition.

Couples will have to prove that they have been in a committed relationship for at least two years.

Currently, only married couples can enjoy the same employment rights, with unmarried partners of 'entitled', 'entitled to work', or 'licensed' residents holding a 'registered' card for their first five years in the island.

Deputy Lucy Stephenson, who presented the proposal to the Assembly, says the change will make better use of the skills and experience of people already living here.

I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Assembly for their unanimous support for this change, which will enable us to make better use of the skills and experience of some Islanders already living here, and others who may move here https://t.co/WH5iMPDxgL
— Lucy Stephenson (@LucyStevoJSY) May 23, 2023

Assistant Chief Minister Alex Curtis says that the application process isn't about the government invading people's lives, but applicants should be prepared to hand over proof of their relationship.

"For a system like this to work we have to have a fair expectation between the applicant and the department that sometime personal details will be shared.

They might have to show photos, proof of shared residence and financial ties."

The amendment to the Control of Housing and Work Law was passed by a standing vote in the chamber and will come into effect next week(30 May).