Jersey farms stress commitment to better living conditions for workers

Jersey Farmers Union has said farms across the island are prioritising safe and positive working and living conditions to help retain agricultural workers and encourage them to return.

The statement comes after government inspections identified hundreds of hazards in farm worker accommodation, following renewed scrutiny of living standards in the sector.

The issue was brought into focus by an inquest into the death of Filipino farm worker George Castrudes, which found that his living conditions contributed to his death.

A spokesperson for Jersey Farmers Union said providing safe, comfortable and well-managed accommodation was fundamental to the sustainable operation of the island’s agricultural industry.

The spokesperson said the sector relied heavily on its workforce and recognised the importance of ensuring suitable accommodation for workers who needed it.

Farms had a clear incentive to provide a positive experience, the union added, with a strong emphasis on creating working and living conditions that encouraged workers to stay and return.

The union also described the regulation and oversight of the industry as robust, highlighting government inspections and compliance with health and safety standards as core responsibilities for its members.

Earlier this week, Planning and Regulation Minister Sir Mark Boleat responded to a written question in the States Assembly about the condition of agricultural accommodation.

He said that, since 1 May 2026, officers had inspected 295 units of agricultural accommodation and identified 315 hazards requiring remedial action.

The majority of the units inspected contained at least one hazard that needed to be addressed.

The most common issues related to inadequate heating and excess cold, electrical safety, damp and mould, fall risks and problems with water supplies.

Sir Mark later told the BBC that most of the identified hazards had since been dealt with.

The condition of accommodation provided to farm workers has remained under scrutiny following the inquest into Mr Castrudes’ death, which highlighted the impact that poor living conditions can have on workers’ welfare.