Poverty in Jersey (2023 Report)
Our 2023 Poverty in Jersey report examines the financial hardships experienced by increasing numbers of Islanders and the growing ‘relative poverty’ gap between Jersey’s richest and poorest residents.
Read the full Poverty in Jersey report
findings and recommendations
The term ‘relative poverty’ refers to a situation in which individuals are unable to actively participate in society and enjoy the benefits and experiences that are commonly taken for granted. Such households receive incomes that are 60% lower than the average household income, which means that they have some financial resources but not enough to afford anything beyond basic necessities.
This form of poverty is influenced by the economic growth of a country, and it can either be temporary or permanent. Some families may have no opportunity to achieve the same living standards as others in society, as they are confined to a low-income bracket that restricts their access to various resources and opportunities. As a result, they remain trapped in a cycle of poverty.
Amongst other key findings, the report found that once housing costs are factored in, 21% of Jersey’s population are in households living in relative low income (£21,840 per year). The cost of housing plays a big role in pushing households towards poverty in Jersey.
The report’s findings, and that of our 2022 Social Mobility and Education report, indicate the following should be priorities for Government in reducing disadvantage in Jersey:
- Reduce pensioner poverty in an ageing population;
- Improve living standards and ensure a humane experience of living and working in Jersey for our middle to lowest earning migrant workers, including temporary and seasonal workers on whom much of our economy is dependent; and
- Improve equality of opportunity for all children and young people in our education system, in a world in which future skills requirements look very different.
Read the full Poverty in Jersey report
findings and recommendations
Pragmatix Advisory was commissioned by Jersey Community Relations Trust to research and report on the potential impact, merits and demerits of a universal basic income in Jersey.
Read the full report, ‘Finding the right balance’.
