Working in Guernsey
How to get one, who needs one and why? What is it?
If someone wants to work in Guernsey, they have to hold a Right to Work Document. It is illegal for an island employer to employ anyone without one.
Do I already have one?
If you are a true 'local', you will have a 'Status Declaration' document.
The document is sent to islanders by the States of Guernsey and is evidence of their
permanent residency on the island. If you have a Status Declaration Document, you
automatically have the right to work in Guernsey.
How do I get one?
If you're not a true 'local' (i.e.: you weren't born on the island and you haven't
lived here all of your life) you will need to apply for a Right to Work Document.
If your application is accepted by the states of Guernsey, they will issue you with one,
but they almost always are temporary and will have an expire date. The terms of the document
will insist that you reside at the same address. If the Right To Work Document expires, both
you and your employer will be breaking the law if you continue to work in Guernsey.
What if I want to top up my earnings with other work under the same permit?
Your permit only allows you to work full time for your main employer. However, in some cases,
as long as you remain in a full time position with the employer named on your right to Work Document,
you can take other part time work.
It’s advisable to contact The States of Guernsey to inform them of any additional employment to ensure you
are working within the limitations of your permit.
Are there any exceptions?
The Right to Work Law allows some people to be exempt from the need of a Right to Work document. These are:
a) Those visiting the Island for not more than 15 hours, employed persons whose employer is based outside the Island and Self-employed persons from outside the Island;
b) In both cases provided that their employment in Guernsey does not exceed 10 days in a 30-day period and an aggregate of 90 days in 12 months.
c) You can also work in Guernsey without a Right To Work Document if you were appointed by the Crown
Social Security in Guernsey
All residents of Guernsey, Alderney, Herm and Jethou over school leaving age are required
to pay social insurance. There are three different categories of contribution rates.
Paying social insurance entitles you to claim benefits. The classes are:
Class 1 - Employed Persons
Most people who work for wages or a salary under a contract of service are in this class.
Class 2 - Self-employed Persons
Those people who are in business for themselves and other people who are working for
gain but not under the control of an employer.
Class 3 - Non-employed Persons
All insured persons who are not employed or self-employed.
Everyone employed locally needs a social security card and should contact the Social
Security Department within seven days of starting work within the Bailiwick to obtain a
social insurance card. If you are sent by your employer to work temporarily outside Guernsey
(or Alderney) as part of your employment, you will pay contributions as if you were actually
working in Guernsey (or Alderney).
If you are unable to work because of illness or injury, you are entitled to a credit for each
contribution week for which you produce medical evidence of your inability to work. However,
if you continue to receive wages from your employer while you are unable to work, Class 1
contributions must still be paid by you and him.
The value of your Gross Earnings can be reduced by the amount of any social insurance benefit
that you hand back to your employer, so of course you will pay less in the way of contributions
for the relevant period.
To find out more details about Guernsey's Social Insurance Scheme, contact the Social Security
Department at:-
Social Security Department
Edward T Wheadon House
Le Truchot
St Peter Port
Guernsey
Channel Islands
GY1 3WH
Telephone +44 (0) 1481 732500
Fax +44 (0) 1481 732501
The office is open between 8.45am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
Information provided on these pages is intended for general information
purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice.
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