A government survey has found that only 27% of 16 to 24-year-olds in Guernsey feel confident they will stay on the island after completing their studies, with a significant number citing concerns about housing, living costs, and career opportunities. The survey results show that 36% are certain they will leave, while 37% are unsure about their future. Director of public health Dr Nicola Brink highlighted the importance of listening to young people's concerns, stating "listening alone is not enough" and that action must be taken in response to their feedback. The report also noted a lack of influence among young islanders, who feel they have no agency over decision-making processes.
Written by the local model on 2026-08-14,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Young people on the island of Guernsey are concerned about their future due to a lack of career opportunities and affordable housing. A survey by Dr. Nicola Brink, Guernsey's Medical Officer of Health and Director of Public Health, found that only 27% of respondents aged 16-24 were confident in staying on the island. 36% of respondents said they would definitely leave, citing a lack of career opportunities, social choices, and poor weather as reasons. A further 37% were unsure about their future on the island. The survey also highlighted concerns over housing costs, rising living expenses, travel costs, and limited job prospects. Many young people feel that there is a gap between themselves and older generations, with one respondent stating it was a "real shame" that there isn't more sense of community between the two groups. As a result, some are considering leaving the island to pursue education and career opportunities elsewhere.
Written for “Youth Job and Housing Concerns” on 2026-08-31,
grounded in this article and the 1 other(s) covering the same event.
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The article's own words the score was based on. Each is quoted
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Leaning score -0.35 for article 793 (high confidence, 1 verified quote) · logged 2026-08-26
- Published
Less than a third of students have said they feel confident they would stay in the island, a government survey has shown.
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survey → publish → island
Some 27% of 16 to 24-year-olds said they were worried about housing, the rising cost of living, travel costs and the opportunities Guernsey offered them after their studies finished.
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studies → say → them
Director of public health Dr Nicola Brink said: "Young people care deeply about their future here, but many are uncertain whether the Bailiwick can offer them an affordable, sustainable and fulfilling life as they move into adulthood."
The Medical Officer Health Report showed 36% were sure they would leave, blaming a lack of career opportunities, social and shopping choices and poor weather.
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they → say → opportunities
A further 37% said they were unsure whether their future would be on the island.
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future → say → island
Brink asked 200 young people from the Youth Forum, the Guernsey Institute and the Sixth Form Centre about their hopes and fears for life in the island.
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Brink → ask → island
The responses showed the students valued safety in the island, together with its community, natural beauty and beaches.
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students → show → community
Road transport was the biggest current concern for young islanders, who highlighted the cost of fuel, state of the roads, closures and amount of traffic.
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who → highlight → traffic
Their second biggest concern was a lack of things to do, with some young people calling winter a "snoozefest", when they found it harder to find affordable activities to take part in with their friends.
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it → do → friends
In the report some young people raised their concerns about education and said they were unhappy about a lack of teachers for specific subjects, a high turnover of teachers and the poor state of some of the school buildings.
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they → raise → buildings
Some of the students also said they did not feel that the government listened to their concerns and they felt they had a lack of influence over decision-making.
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they → say → making
Brink said: "They have also told us that they do not always feel heard.
"
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they → say → us
Listening is important, but listening alone is not enough, we must also act on what they are telling us."
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they → act → us
She said they were the "next generation of our workforce and community leaders" and their voices should be central to decisions about the island's future.
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voices → say → future
The Medical Officer Health Report said: "This sense of limited agency may contribute to disengagement and reduced well-being, while also shaping expectations about the future."
Follow BBC Guernsey on X, external and Facebook, external and Instagram, external.
uncertain
sense → say → X
