Guernsey publishes proposals to modernise labour laws for free trade agreement participation
- Guernsey has published proposals to modernise labour legislation to meet requirements for participation in the CPTPP free trade agreement
- Three draft Ordinances will be debated in December covering minimum working ages for young workers, protected right to strike for non-essential services, and protections against trade union discrimination
- The island already benefits from preferential tariffs on goods through CPTPP, with further benefits available for the finance sector through enhanced cross-border collaboration
- The minimum requirements are non-negotiable, but subordinate legislation will be shaped through consultation with business, trade unions and workers
- CPTPP membership provides access to trading partners including Australia, Canada and Japan across the Pacific Rim
Guernsey has published proposals to modernise its labour legislation to facilitate ongoing participation in a major free trade agreement whose members include Australia, Canada and Japan.
The proposals were released on 9th November 2026 to ensure the island meets the requirements of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Guernsey's joining the CPTPP was approved by the previous States Assembly and is possible through its constitutional relationship with the UK.
The island's ongoing participation in the agreement is a priority in Economic Development's Work Plan due to the benefits and opportunities it provides for Guernsey's economy.
Through CPTPP, Guernsey already enjoys preferential tariffs on goods traded with member countries, which benefits the island's manufacturing sector. Meeting globally accepted labour standards to better protect local workers will enable Guernsey to access further CPTPP benefits, boosting the finance sector by enhancing cross-border collaboration and safeguarding investments.
Due to the pressing need to meet these requirements this year, the Presiding Officer has given permission to the Policy & Resources Committee and Employment & Social Security to submit their policy letter alongside three draft Ordinances for debate in December.
The three Ordinances will safeguard young workers by setting out minimum working ages for teenagers employed in full-time work, part-time work, and work that presents particular risks. This also supports Guernsey's adherence to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions.
The legislation will introduce a protected right to strike for workers engaged in providing non-essential island services, and strengthen legal protections against discrimination on the grounds of trade union membership or activities.
While these minimum requirements are non-negotiable if Guernsey is to benefit from the free trade agreement, there is scope to shape subordinate legislation to reflect Guernsey's unique employment culture. Before the Ordinances commence, consultation will be carried out with the business community, trade unions and working islanders to inform secondary legislation that works in a Guernsey context.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Policy & Resources Committee, said: "Guernsey's participation in post-Brexit free trade agreements enhances the island's international standing and boosts our economy. Demonstrating compliance with these international obligations is an important part of that participation and also helps to ensure Guernsey's credibility as a globally relevant jurisdiction."
Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, President of Economic Development, said: "CPTPP provides access to dynamic and emerging trading partners across the Pacific Rim, broadening the island's economic and investment scope. Guernsey's participation is a key enabler toward the ongoing success of our finance and manufacturing sectors."
Deputy Tina Bury, President of Employment & Social Security, said: "It is important that Guernsey provides high standards of protection to its workers, especially its young workers, while also recognising the important role of trade unions in representing those across the relevant sectors. It is equally important that we shape local legislation to suit our unique island culture, and engagement with the community next year will support this."
The Policy Letter and draft ordinances are available at https://parliament.gg/parliamentary-business/propositions/P2026-87.
Q&A
Q: What is the CPTPP and why is Guernsey participating?
A: The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a major free trade agreement whose members include Australia, Canada and Japan. Guernsey's participation, approved by the previous States Assembly, is possible through its constitutional relationship with the UK and provides benefits for the island's economy including preferential tariffs on goods.
Q: What changes will the three draft Ordinances introduce?
A: The Ordinances will set minimum working ages for teenagers in full-time work, part-time work and work presenting particular risks; introduce a protected right to strike for workers in non-essential island services; and strengthen legal protections against discrimination based on trade union membership or activities.
Q: Will there be consultation before the laws come into effect?
A: Yes. While the minimum requirements are non-negotiable, consultation will be carried out with the business community, trade unions and working islanders before the Ordinances commence to inform secondary legislation that reflects Guernsey's unique employment culture.
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