Skip to main content Skip to accessibility
This website is not compatible with your web browser. You should install a newer browser. If you live in Jersey and need help upgrading call the States of Jersey web team on 440099.
Government of Jerseygov.je

Information and public services for the Island of Jersey

L'înformâtion et les sèrvices publyis pouor I'Île dé Jèrri

Business licence exemption extended to assist Storm Ciarán recovery

07 November 2023


Assistant Chief Minister, Deputy Lucy Stephenson, has signed a Ministerial Decision to allow businesses from outside of Jersey (Non-Resident Undertakings – NRUs) to operate in Jersey for a period of 30 days without a business licence. 

It will apply to those off-Island businesses that can help to speed-up the significant progress already made in repairing damage to properties and infrastructure following Storm Ciarán, where demand for these services is very high. 

It will allow local businesses and individuals to engage off-Island construction workers to carry out emergency repairs to buildings and roofs for a period of 30 days, without the usual requirement for a business licence under the Control of Housing and Work Law. 

This expands the exemption that already exists for these businesses from five days and is in line with the 30 days exemption that exists for most other NRUs. 

NRUs can come to Jersey to carry out work for which they have been contracting or engaged in advance by a local business or individual. They are not permitted to go door to door, or to tout for business whilst on Island, meaning local residents should not be directly approached by businesses to offer their services. Any businesses doing so should be reported to the Business Hub Compliance Unit on 444444 or by email at clsbusinesshub@gov.je

Members of the public are requested to be vigilant of anyone looking to take advantage of the aftermath of Storm Ciarán. This includes verifying contractors’ credentials, avoiding paying up front, and confirming everything in writing. 

The Business Hub Unit at Customer and Local Services (CLS) will monitor the arrival of NRUs and inform them of their obligations under the Law. Any NRUs wishing to operate in Jersey after 3 December 2023 will be required to have a business licence in the normal manner. 

Deputy Stephenson said: “We hope that this small change offers assistance to local businesses and residents as they seek to repair, rebuild and recover from Storm Ciarán. The change expires after 3 December 2023 and is felt proportionate in offering quick support to households who require emergency repairs in the short term, whilst allowing resident businesses to manage the longer -term rebuilding. 

“Resident businesses are reminded that they are able to apply for extra permissions to employ people on their existing business licences, and that these can be time limited to suit the business need. They are also able to contract non-resident businesses. Officers at the Business Hub at CLS are able to give advice directly and applications will be dealt with in a timely manner.” 

Report a concern 

Any concerns can be reported to Business Hub (444444), Trading Standards (448160), the Health and Safety Inspectorate (447300) or to the States of Jersey Police on 612612.

Back to top
rating button