Young people in Guernsey are expressing concerns about future career opportunities and housing, with a significant portion considering leaving the island, according to a survey.
Only 27% of young respondents indicated confidence in remaining in Guernsey. Issues such as the cost of living, transportation, and the availability of housing were identified as major challenges impacting their future on the island.
Amber Thomson, a 21-year-old who studied environmental science, shared that many university graduates feel there are insufficient career prospects upon returning to Guernsey. "I think that a lot of people kind of tend to go to uni and then they think, well there's not that much opportunity for me if I come back," Thomson stated. She plans to move away to explore broader career options and experience life beyond the island.
Thomson described Guernsey as "a really, really tiny place" and noted that looking at the wider world highlights how small it is and how much there is to see. While valuing the safety of island life, she also pointed out a disconnect between younger and older generations. "I think that there's a real gap between the young people of Guernsey and then the older generations," she said, suggesting a need to bridge this gap and foster a stronger sense of community.
The survey was conducted by Dr. Nicola Brink, Guernsey's Medical Officer of Health and Director of Public Health.