By Kenieta Domaille, Director, Situations Recruitment
Guernsey’s employment landscape continues to remain strong, with high job availability and low unemployment, but beneath these headline figures lies a valuable insight. Around 17.5% of working-age adults are currently not active in the workforce, for a wide variety of reasons. Many of these individuals possess strong skills, solid academic foundations, and previous experience that could be an asset to the island’s finance and commercial sectors.
At Situations Recruitment, we meet people every day who underestimate how much they have to offer. Whether you’re considering a return to work, exploring a change, or curious about flexible options, there’s never been a better time to reconnect with your professional strengths.
Below, I explore the key groups within the 17.5%, and how we can support you back into rewarding, skilled roles.
1. Students: Starting Your Career Journey Early
Students remain a notable segment of those not currently working, especially those aged 16–18 in full‑time education. Many simply haven’t yet explored how part‑time or entry-level roles can complement their studies.
Ideal opportunities include:
- Part‑time administrative roles
- Trainee positions
- Summer placements
- Work–study compatible jobs
If you are aiming for a future in finance, professional services, or business administration, starting early builds a strong foundation.
2. Skilled Retirees & Early Retirees: Experience Still in Demand
Guernsey’s older workforce includes many individuals who have stepped back for lifestyle reasons. However, a significant number possess decades of invaluable experience in finance, office administration, compliance, customer service, and related fields.
Flexible opportunities are increasingly available for those with strong professional backgrounds and a solid academic base, including GCSEs at Grade 5/C or above.
Popular options include:
- Flexible part-time placements
- Hybrid roles
- Short-term, contract-based assignments
If you’ve spent years in a professional environment and feel ready to re-engage on your own terms, we can help.
3. Parents and Carers: Skilled Professionals Ready for Flexible Work
Many individuals take career breaks to raise families or care for relatives. These breaks often follow established careers, particularly in finance, administration, customer operations, or commercial support roles.
As flexible and hybrid working becomes more widely available across Guernsey, opportunities now exist for those with previous experience and a strong academic foundation to step back into the market confidently.
Options that work particularly well include:
- Flexible hours in administrative roles
- Hybrid office positions
- Job-share arrangements
- Temporary or contract-based assignments
If you have prior office or financial experience, even if several years ago, there is strong demand for your skillset.
5. Voluntarily Inactive Professionals: Purpose-Driven Opportunities
Some individuals step out of the workforce due to financial stability or personal choice. This often includes people who have already built strong professional careers, particularly within Guernsey’s finance and commercial sectors.
If you're looking for meaningful engagement without full-time commitment, your skills remain incredibly valuable.
You may be suited to:
- Board or trustee roles
- Community or charitable governance positions
- Advisory or part-time commercial work
- Flexible contract-based engagements
Your experience — even if not current — can make a major impact.
6. Discouraged or Underconfident Professionals: You May Be More Qualified Than You Think
Some people step away from job-seeking simply because they believe their skills are outdated or that their experience no longer counts. This is rarely true. Many professionals with solid GCSEs and previous office or finance experience underestimate how desirable their transferable skills are.
We can support your return with:
- Confidence coaching
- CV refresh and LinkedIn optimisation
- Skills updates or refresher routes
- A clear path back into suitable roles
Sometimes all it takes is a conversation to reignite your confidence.
Why Register With Us Now?
Many employers in Guernsey’s finance and commercial sectors are actively looking for individuals who have:
✔ Prior experience in office, finance, or commercial administration
✔ Strong communication and organisational skills
✔ GCSEs at Grade 5/C or above
✔ A positive, professional approach
✔ A willingness to re-engage with the workforce
The 17.5% represents a pool of talented individuals who may not realise just how many suitable opportunities are available right now.
Let’s Explore Your Next Step — Together
Whether you’ve had a career break, reduced your hours, retired early, or simply stepped away for a while, your skills are still relevant — and valued.
If you have previous experience in finance or commercial administration and hold GCSE Grade 5/C or above, we would be delighted to help you rediscover what you can offer.
Get in touch with Situations Recruitment today.
A new chapter may be much closer than you think. Visit our website www.situations.gg or contact our friendly, professional, and qualified team of consultants on team@situations.gg
