Graduates urged to raise island housing concerns

University graduates have been encouraged to raise their concerns about the cost of housing in Guernsey, which some said had stopped them from returning to the island.

A webinar will be held on 19 May to discuss the issue.

It follows a survey by GradRoutes Guernsey which found 38.2% of students listed housing costs and availability as a factor influencing them not to return to the island.

Economic Development President Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller and Housing President Deputy Steve Williams have been asked to discuss their vision for the future of housing and young people at the webinar.

Project Lead for GradRoutes Michelle Morley encouraged all graduates and current students to join the webinar and ask the deputies questions.

Morley said: "We heard from over 200 graduates and university students about their opinions on moving back to Guernsey.

"We encourage all graduates or current university students to tune in to the online webinar either just to listen or to pose any questions you may have to the deputies regarding this topic."

In December, an event was held to encourage off-island students, graduates and young people to stay in the island to work.

At the time, Scarlett Gallagher, a university student from Guernsey, said there were more job opportunities for islanders in the UK and it was expensive living at home.

In March, student Harry Swain said once graduating he did not plan to return to the island for up to 10 years.

Swain said the cost of living and housing market had contributed towards his decision.

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