Student claims there are more opportunities in the UK than on the island

According to a young university student, the United Kingdom provides significantly more career opportunities than Guernsey. Scarlett Gallagher, 18, originally from the island and currently studying criminology at Loughborough University, shared her perspective with BBC Radio Guernsey.

"In the UK, there are so many more paths available for my future ambitions. But Guernsey shaped my entire childhood, so leaving it behind is not easy," Gallagher explained.

She highlighted that her decision is largely influenced by employment prospects and finances. "Salaries in Guernsey are decent, yet the UK simply offers a broader range of opportunities," she added.

Gallagher also mentioned the personal freedom she enjoys while living in the UK as a factor in her choice. "Returning to my parents' home would feel strange. I feel Ive changed a lot since leaving," she noted.

The high cost of living on the island also played a role in her reasoning. "Id love to move back, but expenses are very high. Even grocery options are limited. In England, you have so much more variety. My friends couldnt believe we dont even have Lidl in Guernsey," Gallagher said.

The Guernsey Institute (TGI) is currently promoting its GradRoutes programme, designed to encourage graduates to return to the island. Michelle Morley, the project lead, emphasized that young people often perceive a lack of career options locally.

"We want to address the belief that there arent enough jobs on the island. While finding a position in the UK can be challenging, returning home often gives more opportunities for direct conversations with employers rather than endlessly sending CVs," Morley explained.

TGI is also conducting a survey to understand whether current university students plan to return to Guernsey and what factors influence their decisions.

Another student, Jess Knights, 20, studying at Southampton University, mentioned that a "safety net" at home is a key reason for considering a return. "Living independently abroad is complicated when trying to find accommodation during placements," she said. Financial considerations also affect her, as she hopes to secure her own home in Guernsey in the future.

Morley added that local companies provide career development options, including professional qualifications, opportunities to travel, or secondments in the UK and beyond.

Author: Chloe Ramirez