Jersey’s employment market in 2024 showcased resilience and strategic adaptation across its core sectors, from financial services and IT to commercial and professional industries. The island continued to assert its position as a global financial hub while navigating challenges such as international competition, regulatory shifts, travel connections and local workforce constraints.
Financial services remained the cornerstone of Jersey’s economy in 2024, contributing significantly to gross value added and driving employment. Fiduciary services, funds, and wealth management were standout areas, with firms seeking senior professionals to lead in trust administration, fund structuring, and compliance. Key roles included Trust Directors, Private Equity Specialists, and Heads of Compliance, underscoring the sector’s reliance on expertise to meet regulatory demands and deliver client-focused solutions.
The adoption of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles has gained traction, influencing recruitment for roles in compliance and sustainability. Meanwhile, our clients have found local talent shortages in niche areas and the increased need to expand international recruitment efforts while investing in training and upskilling programs to develop homegrown expertise.
The IT sector has experienced robust growth in 2024, as businesses accelerated digital transformation and cybersecurity initiatives. Financial services led the demand for technology expertise, requiring professionals to implement fintech solutions and secure critical data. Positions such as Cybersecurity Analysts, Software Developers, and Digital Transformation Leads were particularly sought after, highlighting the increasing importance of technology in maintaining Jersey’s competitive edge.
While there are opportunities to cultivate local digital skills, including government-supported training programs, in order to address workforce needs, there is still the need to rely on international talent to fill advanced technical roles for many of our clients.
Retail and hospitality have faced ongoing pressures from rising costs and workforce shortages, while sectors like logistics and professional services experienced steady demand. Recruitment focused on operational and leadership roles, reflecting our clients’ priorities in improving efficiency and customer experience.
Sustainability emerged as a key theme, with AP Group clients across all industries embedding ESG initiatives into their operations. Roles such as Sustainability Managers and Operations Analysts gained prominence as businesses aligned with global sustainability goals.
Despite its robust economic performance, Jersey’s employment market faced notable challenges in 2024. Housing affordability and limited availability remained significant barriers to attracting overseas professionals. So has the limited number of essential licences issued by the States of Jersey. Some of our clients have had to consider enhanced relocation packages or explore flexible working models to improve talent acquisition. We will see an increase in outsourcing jobs to be either hybrid by employees working in other locations, like Mauritius which has seen a lot of employment growth with back-office jobs creating cheaper labour costs for Jersey companies.
Apprenticeships, reskilling initiatives, and leadership programs are crucial in addressing talent shortages to fostering a pipeline of local professionals.
Looking ahead, 2025 is expected to bring continued growth in technology-driven roles and increased emphasis on compliance and ESG-related positions across sectors. While financial services will remain a dominant force, IT and professional services are poised for further expansion, driven by innovation and evolving client expectations. Addressing workforce challenges and enhancing Jersey’s appeal as an employment destination will be central to sustaining the island’s economic momentum.
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